Immune System
An intricate combination of organs and cells that helps a child’s body protects itself against invasion from a wide variety of infectious diseases. This network works most efficiently when the child is well rested, eats a healthy diet, and is not under too much stress. Genetics also play a part; some children are born with a stronger immune system than others.
When a germ enters the body, the immune system triggers the white blood cells (lymphocytes) to attack. White blood cells move throughout the body via the organs of the immune system, including bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, adenoids, blood, and lymphatic vessels.
Both types of white blood cells—B cells and T cells—produce antibodies that destroy bacteria and viruses. A third type of white blood cell (the large phagocytes) surrounds invading microbes and swallows them.
This immune response is often the source of all of the symptoms children experience during an infection—chills, fever, aches, appetite loss, fatigue, inflammation, and rash.
Children whose immune systems are not working well, such as youngsters with AIDS, have more trouble fighting off invading germs. That is why anyone with an impaired immune system gets sick more often and more seriously, with illnesses that might not even harm a child whose immune system is working properly.
Vaccinations during the first year of life are important because a young baby’s immune system is often not strong enough to fight off potentially fatal diseases such as measles and meningitis. This is why babies currently receive four shots at age two months. Receiving combination vaccines means that a child can get protection from these diseases in fewer shots. Vaccines are made of weakened or inactivated viruses or bacteria that are designed to stimulate the production of antibodies without infecting the body and provoking an immune system attack. This is how vaccines give a child immunity without causing illness.
Until four to six months of age infants generally receive some level of immunity from their mother’s antibodies, which cross the placenta during the third trimester.
When a germ enters the body, the immune system triggers the white blood cells (lymphocytes) to attack. White blood cells move throughout the body via the organs of the immune system, including bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, adenoids, blood, and lymphatic vessels.
Both types of white blood cells—B cells and T cells—produce antibodies that destroy bacteria and viruses. A third type of white blood cell (the large phagocytes) surrounds invading microbes and swallows them.
This immune response is often the source of all of the symptoms children experience during an infection—chills, fever, aches, appetite loss, fatigue, inflammation, and rash.
Children whose immune systems are not working well, such as youngsters with AIDS, have more trouble fighting off invading germs. That is why anyone with an impaired immune system gets sick more often and more seriously, with illnesses that might not even harm a child whose immune system is working properly.
Vaccinations during the first year of life are important because a young baby’s immune system is often not strong enough to fight off potentially fatal diseases such as measles and meningitis. This is why babies currently receive four shots at age two months. Receiving combination vaccines means that a child can get protection from these diseases in fewer shots. Vaccines are made of weakened or inactivated viruses or bacteria that are designed to stimulate the production of antibodies without infecting the body and provoking an immune system attack. This is how vaccines give a child immunity without causing illness.
Until four to six months of age infants generally receive some level of immunity from their mother’s antibodies, which cross the placenta during the third trimester.
Tags: Immune System, intricate combination of organs and cells, protects itself against invasion from a wide variety of, vaccination, white blood cells (lymphocytes)
Posted in Health and Wellness
