Warriors of Wellness: How the Immune System Keeps Us Safe
The immune system is the body’s personal army that fights off sickness and disease. It is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to identify and eliminate harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These warriors of wellness are always on high alert, constantly scanning the body for foreign pathogens and launching an attack when needed.
Several Ways on How Immune System Keeps Us Safe
The immune system keeps us safe in several ways, including:
Identifying and Destroying Pathogens
The immune system’s primary function is to identify and destroy pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It uses various mechanisms such as antibodies, white blood cells, and cytokines to neutralize and eliminate these harmful invaders.
Preventing Infections
The immune system works to prevent infections by acting as a barrier against pathogens. It does this by producing mucus, which traps foreign particles, and acids, which can kill bacteria and viruses.
Resisting Illnesses
A strong immune system can resist illnesses by quickly recognizing and attacking pathogens that have breached the body’s defenses. People with healthy immune systems often experience milder symptoms of sickness or recover quicker than those with weakened immune systems.
Identifying and Destroying Abnormal Cells
In addition to attacking pathogens, the immune system also identifies and eliminates abnormal cells such as cancer cells.