DISEASE – IMMUNE SYSTEM

WHAT CAN ACTIVATE OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

The immune system can be activated by a lot of different things. These are called antigens.
Examples of antigens on the surfaces of bacteria, fungi, and viruses function as invaders. When
these antigens attach to special receptors on the immune cells (immune system cells), a whole
series of processes are triggered in the body.

How does vaccination work?

Your immune system has a strong connection with the vaccines. Vaccines contain a dead or
weakened version of a pathogen, which stimulates your immune system to make antibodies
that can fight it. Once the body has come into contact with a disease-causing germ for the first
time, it usually stores information about the germ and how to fight it. Then, if it encounters the
germ again, it recognizes the germ straight away and can start fighting it faster.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation happens as your immune system counterattacks against a threat. Your blood
vessels deliver more blood to an area of injury or infection, carrying white blood cells ready for
battle. This extra blood flow leads to redness and swelling. Your white blood cells release
chemicals that attack any invaders.

While inflammation helps you fight off an infection, it’s also what makes you feel sore, feverish,
and ill. Some degree of inflammation is necessary, but too much can be dangerous.