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Know Your Body’s Immune System in these Tough Times

the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise, it seems almost impossible for us to recover without a vaccine. While scientists are still working on finding a possible cure, the best thing we can do right now is to build our immunity. Our immune system helps in keeping us healthy. This acts as a protective shield to prevent us from becoming sick or getting any diseases from microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Here are some facts about our body’s immune system:

  • The innate immune system is kind of like a defense mechanism that is used to control and stop the spread of foreign pathogens in the body. This mechanism involves chemical, cellular, and physical defenses. The mucous membrane, hair, skin and more defend our body from the entry of pathogens.
  • Babies receive some antibodies from their mother during the third trimester through the placenta. Although these antibodies only protect for a specified time and don’t last long, they provide protection to the baby from any kind of disease at an early age. Babies born prematurely won’t be receiving these antibodies due to early birth and disruption in the transmission of these antibodies.
  • As you age, your body’s immune system deteriorates which is why older people suffer more from diseases as compared to younger people. Their bodies lack the right pathogens to fight off diseases which makes them vulnerable to new infections making them even weaker.
  • White blood cells are produced in large numbers inside the human body to help fight against pathogens that may have entered the body. These white blood cells flow throughout the body and constantly monitor the blood to eliminate any viruses that will cause diseases and infections.
  • A lot of blood cells in the body don’t necessarily mean it’s good either. A large number of white blood cells can help protect the body from infections but it is also a sign of some kind of diseases and cancers.
  • Breast milk has the necessary antibodies for babies to stay healthy for a long period of time. Newborn babies are protected from various kinds of diseases naturally and this is the reason why doctors suggest breastfeeding babies for a few months after they are born.
  • When you take a lot of stress, it weakens the immune system and makes the cells unresponsive to any kind of medicines and treatments. This also causes a disruption in the sleep cycle and takes a toll on your health.
  • Scientists say that the environment in which we live and work has an effect on our immune systems. You might be a twin and even though both you and your sibling’s immune system might be similar in the beginning, it starts to differ as soon as you grow older. This is because both of you will live, work and study in different environments.
  • Our body’s second line of defense comes into play when our innate immune system fails to defend our body from disease. The adaptive immune system just like the name adapts to pathogens that have entered the body before and becomes better at fighting them the next time that they enter. This second line of defense is only found in vertebrates.
  • Whenever you get a fever, it means your body is producing white blood cells rapidly and that some virus has entered your body. It can also be a good sign that your body is working hard to make your immune system better.
  • Laughing can boost your immune system. It releases antibodies in the nose and mouth area which helps in fighting certain types of diseases.
  • When your body’s antibodies react to a pathogen more than they are supposed to, they lead to allergies on hands, nose and throat.
  • Intestinal tissues are very important in keeping our bodies healthy. Without those issues, our bodies would become weak and wouldn’t be able to fight off deadly viruses and other microorganisms.
  • If a child is born with a less effective immune system, he or she may fall sick very easily and should be kept in extra care to close out any unwanted pathogens from entering the body.
  • You need to have a minimum of 6 hours of sleep every night in order for your immune system to work efficiently. Without proper sleep, your body will weaken and lead to contracting diseases.
  • It’s beneficial to stand under the sun for a little while. This increases your immunity. However, too much of it can lead to developing skin diseases such as cancer.
  • In some cases, your antibodies will kill your healthy cells thereby deteriorating your health. Some types of diabetes are some cases in which this happens.
  • The human immune system isn’t a whole but involves various organs to keep the body healthy and functioning. Each organ has its own role to play and serves its purpose.
  • Being physically fit and exercising regularly benefit your body in the long run. They keep your immune system strong and free from any kind of diseases and infections.
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