Immunity refers to the body's ability to defend itself against pathogens and other harmful substances. There are primarily two main types of immunity: active and passive.
Types of Immunity
| Type of Immunity | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Active Immunity | Immunity developed when our own immune system is responsible for protecting us from a pathogen. | Developing immunity after contracting measles or through vaccination. |
| Passive Immunity | Immunity gained from someone else's immune system. | A baby receiving antibodies from its mother through breast milk. |
Active Immunity Explained
Active immunity involves the body's own immune system actively participating in the defense process. This type of immunity can be acquired in two ways:
- Natural Active Immunity: Develops after exposure to a pathogen and subsequent infection. The body remembers the pathogen and can quickly respond upon future encounters.
- Artificial Active Immunity: Develops through vaccination. Vaccines contain weakened or inactive pathogens (or parts thereof) that stimulate the immune system without causing significant illness. This prepares the body to fight off the real pathogen if it encounters it later.
Passive Immunity Explained
Passive immunity is temporary protection gained from receiving antibodies or immune cells from another source. This type of immunity does not involve the body's own immune system producing antibodies.
- Natural Passive Immunity: Occurs when antibodies are passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy (through the placenta) or through breastfeeding.
- Artificial Passive Immunity: Involves receiving antibodies from another person or animal, typically through an injection. This might be used to treat snake bites (antivenom) or other immediate threats.
