Natural immunity is caused by exposure to germs (microbes) from an infection. When your body encounters a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, it triggers an immune response.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Exposure to Pathogens: Initial contact with a harmful microbe, like a cold virus.
- Immune System Activation: Your immune system recognizes the microbe as foreign.
- Antibody Production: The body produces antibodies specifically designed to target and neutralize that particular microbe.
- Memory Cells: After the infection is cleared, the body retains "memory cells" that remember the specific microbe.
- Future Protection: If you encounter the same microbe again, the memory cells allow your body to quickly produce antibodies, providing protection against reinfection. This rapid response can prevent you from getting sick or reduce the severity of the illness.
In contrast to natural immunity, vaccine-induced immunity is developed through exposure to weakened or inactive forms of the microbe, or parts of it, in a vaccine. This allows the body to develop immunity without experiencing the full-blown illness.
