Immune System & Disease Defense: Vaccines, Serums, Medications

The Human Immune System

Understanding the Immune System

Human beings possess a sophisticated defense system known as the immune system. This intricate network of mechanisms provides the body with resistance to infectious agents or pathogens.

Innate or Non-Specific Immunity

We are born with innate or natural immunity, which is a form of non-specific immunity. It develops while we are in the womb and includes several key components:

Components of Innate Immunity

• External Defenses: The skin, which is largely impermeable to most microorganisms, and mucous membranes. These tissues line internal passageways and secrete mucus that prevents bacterial growth.
• Bodily Secretions: Substances like tears and saliva destroy or damage pathogens. Natural bacterial flora also prevents the growth of harmful pathogens.
• Phagocytes: These are white blood cells that capture pathogens by means of pseudopodia and then digest them.
• Inflammatory Reaction: An inflammatory reaction, such as one that occurs when we get a wound, is a prime example of an innate immune response.

Supporting Your Body's Defenses Against Illness

Vaccines: Preventing Disease

Vaccines are synthetic preparations containing inactive pathogens (weakened or dead forms) which are unable to cause disease. They are designed to prevent diseases but do not cure existing ones. For effectiveness, vaccines must be administered before exposure to a disease.

How Vaccines Work

When a vaccine is administered to the body, the immune system recognizes the inactive pathogens, produces antibodies, and acquires memory. If a live pathogen later infects an individual who has been vaccinated, the memory B lymphocytes trigger a rapid and robust secondary humoral immune response, in which the pathogen is eliminated, and the individual will not get sick.

Serums: Immediate Protection

Serums are synthetic preparations that contain pre-formed antibodies against a specific pathogen. This provides immediate but short-lived immunity against pathogens, as serum antibodies are eliminated from the body in a short time. Serums are particularly useful in combating serious diseases (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria) or for treating bites from venomous snakes and animals when the human body doesn't have enough time to produce its own antibodies.

Medications: Treating Illness

Medications are compounds that contain substances called active ingredients, designed to cure an illness or relieve the symptoms it produces.

Types of Medications

• Antibiotics: These destroy bacteria or prevent their reproduction.
• Antivirals: These eliminate viruses.
• Analgesics: Also known as painkillers, these are used to alleviate or eliminate pain (e.g., paracetamol and aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid). Some analgesics also reduce fever (antipyretic).