These include the following:. These cells surround and absorb pathogens and break them down, effectively eating them. There are several types, including:. Lymphocytes help the body to remember previous invaders and recognize them if they come back to attack again. Lymphocytes begin their life in bone marrow.
Some stay in the marrow and develop into B lymphocytes B cells , others head to the thymus and become T lymphocytes T cells. These two cell types have different roles:. The immune system needs to be able to tell self from non-self. It does this by detecting proteins that are found on the surface of all cells. It learns to ignore its own or self proteins at an early stage. In many cases, an antigen is a bacterium, fungus, virus, toxin, or foreign body.
But it can also be one of our own cells that is faulty or dead. Initially, a range of cell types works together to recognize the antigen as an invader. Antibodies are special proteins that lock on to specific antigens. Each B cell makes one specific antibody. For instance, one might make an antibody against the bacteria that cause pneumonia , and another might recognize the common cold virus.
Antibodies are part of a large family of chemicals called immunoglobulins, which play many roles in the immune response:. Antibodies lock onto the antigen, but they do not kill it, only mark it for death. The killing is the job of other cells, such as phagocytes. Helper T cells Th cells — they coordinate the immune response. Some communicate with other cells, and some stimulate B cells to produce more antibodies.
Others attract more T cells or cell-eating phagocytes. Killer T cells cytotoxic T lymphocytes — as the name suggests, these T cells attack other cells. Download the SCIg introduction fact sheet to read more about this type of treatment. Many health services are now offering SCIg therapy to eligible patients with specific immune conditions.
If you are interested, please discuss your particular requirements with your treating specialist. Immunisation works by copying the body's natural immune response. A vaccine a small amount of a specially treated virus, bacterium or toxin is injected into the body. The body then makes antibodies to it.
If a vaccinated person is exposed to the actual virus, bacterium or toxin, they won't get sick because their body will recognise it and know how to attack it successfully. Vaccinations are available against many diseases, including measles and tetanus. The immunisations you may need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation.
Together, these factors are referred to as HALO, which is defined as:. View the HALO graphic to find out more. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.
For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home. Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis.
All medication has the potential to cause allergies but some people can have allergic reactions to specific prescription or over-the-counter medications. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
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Vaccines for Adults. Vaccines for Teenagers. They are made in one of your lymph organs, the bone marrow. Other lymph organs include the spleen and thymus. When your immune system doesn't work the way it should, it is called an immune system disorder.
You may:. Have an immune system that is too active. This may happen with an allergic reaction. Severe combined immunodeficiency SCID. This is an example of an immune deficiency that is present at birth. Children are in constant danger of infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Children with SCID are missing important white blood cells. Temporary acquired immune deficiencies. Your immune system can be weakened by certain medicines, for example. This can happen to people on chemotherapy or other drugs used to treat cancer. It can also happen to people following organ transplants who take medicine to prevent organ rejection.
Also, infections like the flu virus, mono mononucleosis , and measles can weaken the immune system for a brief time. Your immune system can also be weakened by smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition.
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