Demystifying Vaccines: How They Protect Our Health
All through childhood, most kids are given approximately 15 vaccinations to protect them from illnesses that can vary from the ordinary flu to the life-threatening Hepatitis. Adults are also given several vaccines, such as the Tetanus shot, which expires every ten years, and the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for adults over the age of 50. Admittedly, they might be a little scary and painful, but vaccines are extremely important for the immune system as they can prevent deadly diseases from invading your body.
What are pathogens, and how does our body fight them?
Pathogens are found in many places: your skin, your bed, in the air, and everywhere you go! Pathogens are bacteria, viruses, or any other microorganisms that can cause disease. When pathogens infect your body, they attack your body’s defense system (also known as the immune system). Your immune system fights back until the pathogen is destroyed. Pathogens are made up of many parts, each distinctive to that pathogen. One of the parts of a pathogen is an antigen, which is recognized by the immune system as a foreign or harmful substance. In response to the antigen, antibodies are produced to destroy the antigens and prevent us from getting sick with the same illness again. This means that if we are exposed to the same pathogen in the future, our immune system will know how to respond immediately. Thus, when our bodies have not been exposed to an antigen, we are susceptible to getting sick.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines contain weakened, inactive, or a blueprint of certain antigens of a pathogen, which allow our body to create antibodies to defend the immune system in case we are exposed. Although they are being inserted into your body, they will not make you sick with that illness. Some vaccines require seasonal doses, while others are required every decade. How many times you need to get a vaccine varies depending on each illness. As a result, it is essential to get any vaccines advised by your doctor. Throughout history, vaccines have been created for various deadly diseases, such as polio, smallpox, meningitis, and measles. These vaccines have helped prevent the spread of these dangerous infections for billions of people. Therefore, if you can, get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect your loved ones and yourself!
Sources
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/faq-20057859
● https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/24283-tetanus-shot