What is Immunity?
Immunity is the body’s ability to resist or fight infections and diseases. It is the defense mechanism that protects us from harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Immunity can be innate, acquired, active, or passive.
Types of Immunity
- Innate Immunity: Present at birth, provides immediate but general protection against pathogens.
- Acquired Immunity: Developed throughout life, provides specific protection against particular pathogens.
- Active Immunity: Developed through exposure to pathogens or vaccines, provides long-term protection.
- Passive Immunity: Transferred from another source, provides temporary protection.
Examples of Immunity
Some examples of immunity include:
- Immunity acquired through vaccination against diseases like measles, polio, and influenza.
- Immunity gained from previous infections, such as chickenpox or the common cold.
- Maternal immunity passed from mother to child through breast milk.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: A study conducted on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine showed that individuals who received the vaccine had a significantly lower risk of contracting the flu compared to those who did not.
Case Study 2: Researchers found that individuals with high levels of vitamin D were less likely to develop respiratory infections due to the vitamin’s role in boosting immunity.
Statistics on Immunity
According to the World Health Organization, immunization prevents an estimated 2-3 million deaths every year.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the flu vaccine reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by 40%.
