Improving Immunity & Resistance (Patient Counselling Guide)

The immune system is made up of a group of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body from foreign invaders (eg, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that can cause infections. It consists of two subsystems, innate and adaptive. The innate or non-specific immune system is comprised of the skin and mucus membranes, defense cells, and proteins (enzymes), and acts as the first line of defense against harmful substances.On the other hand, the adaptive or specific immune system is composed of T cells, B cells, and antibodies that specifically target certain harmful substances that cause infection when the innate immune system fails.
The different components of the immune system interact through cell to cell contact and the release of factors that regulate their activities, starting with the recognition of foreign bodies. Immunity to a disease is achieved through the action of the T cells and B cells. T cells directly attack the invading organism while the B cells produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body which attack antigens. An antigen is a chemical part of a molecule that generates an antibody response in the body. These can be found on the surface of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Antibodies are disease-specific.
There are 2 types of immunity: active and passive .Active immunity results from the production of antibodies to the disease by the immune system through infection with the actual disease (resulting in natural immunity), or introduction of a killed or weakened form of the disease organism through vaccination (vaccine-induced immunity). Active immunity takes time (usually several weeks) to develop.However, it is long-lasting and sometimes life-long. Passive immunity results when a person is given antibodies (eg, immune globulin) to a disease rather than producing these through his immune system. Antibodies provide immediate protection but are generally limited and diminish over time (usually after a few weeks or months).
As people age, the immune system functions decline and may bring about changes eg, increased risk of getting sick including cancer, development of autoimmune disorders (ie, the immune system attacks one's healthy body tissues), and slowed healing process.

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