Let's all protect ourselves together. Let's learn about Herd Immunity!

Have you ever wondered how, when a large group of people are together, for example in your village, or where you work, we are all protected from certain diseases? Sometimes we don't see it, but something big is happening to protect us all. That's what we call 'herd immunity' or `(Herd Immunity)`. This is a very important thing, let's talk about it simply today, okay?

What exactly is Herd Immunity?

Simply put, herd immunity is when most people in a community, whether in a village or a city, are immune to a contagious disease, that is, when they are resistant to that disease, the chance of that disease spreading to others is greatly reduced. Think of it like a forest fire. In order for the fire to spread, it has to spread from one tree to another. But if many trees are protected from moisture or are otherwise fireproof, it is difficult for the fire to spread, right? That is how it is with this. When most people in the community are immune, there are fewer places for the disease to 'jump'. Then the spread of the disease is almost controlled.

Imagine that you have 30 children in your class. If 25 of them are `immune` to measles, then even if someone outside comes into the class with measles, the disease will not spread to those 25. Then the chances of the 5 children who are not `immune` getting infected are greatly reduced, because there are not many people in the class to act as a `bridge' for the disease to reach them. That is the power of `(Herd Immunity)`. It is like an invisible protective shield that forms around the entire society.

So, how do we become immune to this disease?

Okay, now let's look at how someone becomes `immune` to a disease, that is, develops immunity. There are several main ways to do this. This thing called immunity in our body works in a very amazing way.

Vaccines - This is the best and safest way!

We have all heard about vaccines since childhood. This is the best, safest and most effective way to build immunity against a disease. A vaccine is simply a very small amount of a weakened or killed part of a disease-causing germ into our body. Then the immune system, which acts like a 'guard' in our body, recognizes who this stranger is. It recognizes and makes special 'weapons' to fight against it. We call these weapons antibodies . These ``antibodies'' are very smart, they remember that germ. Then, if the germ that causes the disease actually enters our body, those previously made ``antibodies'' quickly recognize it and destroy it before the disease can occur. This is like training before a war. Then we won't get sick or have any problems.

Why is this the best way? Because we can build up protection against the disease without actually getting the disease and experiencing the side effects and pain that come with it. Some diseases, for example, like polio, can cause lifelong complications if contracted. Vaccination protects us from all those risks. That is why even organizations like the World Health Organization are giving a big push to vaccination.

Getting sick and recovering - a bit of a tough road!

The second way is that we actually get a disease, that is, a disease caused by a virus or a bacterium, and recover from it. When this happens, our body produces the aforementioned `(Antibodies)`. That means that if the disease comes back the next time, our body is ready for it. However, this is a bit difficult and painful way. Because, when we get the disease, we have to be sick for days, maybe weeks. We have to suffer from various problems like fever, body aches, cough, and shortness of breath. Some diseases, for example, like measles, simply do not get better, and for some people they can cause severe complications like `(Pneumonia)`, and sometimes even cause death. Therefore, getting `immune` after getting the disease is not a good thing, especially for a disease that has a vaccine.

Imagine, your friend's little daughter got chickenpox. She couldn't go to school for about two weeks, she had blisters all over her body, she was scratching, and she couldn't sleep properly. It was a real problem for the family. After she recovered, she was `immune` to chickenpox, but what a pain she had to go through! If there was a vaccine, there would be none of this trouble. Therefore, it is not wise to say that "you get sick and build immunity", especially for serious diseases.

From antibodies received from outside - that is (Passive Immunity)

The third method is called passive immunity . In this, instead of making antibodies in our body, we receive previously made antibodies from outside. This can also happen in two ways.

• The first is to give `(Antibody)` vaccines `(Antibody shots)` that are made against specific germs. These are given to certain people in certain situations. For example, a virus called `(RSV)` causes respiratory problems in young babies. So, from birth to about 8 months, babies are given this `(Antibody)` vaccine, either before or during the `(RSV)` season. This provides the baby with quick protection. But this is not something that is available for every disease, only a very few diseases have such `(Antibody)` vaccines.
• The second way is that a mother passes antibodies to her baby. The baby receives antibodies from the mother's body through the placenta while the baby is in the womb, and through breast milk after birth. This is very important, because the immune system of young babies is not very developed in the early stages. These antibodies from the mother protect them from many diseases, just as the baby receives the same protection from the mother.

But there is something important to remember here.The protection provided by ``Antibodies`` obtained from outside sources, whether from a vaccine or from illness, does not last as long as the ``Antibodies`` that our own bodies produce. They disappear after a while. That is why even small babies need to be vaccinated at the right time, to build long-term protection in their own bodies.

So, why is this Herd Immunity so important?

Now you probably understand what `(Herd Immunity)` is and how it becomes `immune`. So why is this so valuable? Because, `(Herd Immunity)` protects those who cannot be `immune` to a certain disease, or who are not `immune`. That is, not everyone in society is the same. Some people have a low ability to withstand diseases for various reasons, or cannot get vaccinated. What `(Herd Immunity)` does is provide protection to such people.

Who is more likely to become `immune`, or who is particularly protected by `(Herd Immunity)`?

• People who have never had the disease: They do not have antibodies against the disease.
• People who cannot get vaccinated: For example, newborn babies. They can only be given some vaccines after a few months. Also, people with some severe allergies may not be able to get vaccinated.
• People who get vaccinated but don't develop enough ``Antibodies'' in their bodies: This can sometimes happen. Not everyone's body is the same. Even if they get vaccinated, a very small number of people may not develop enough protection in their bodies.
• People with a weakened immune system: This can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, older people. Their immunity is naturally a little lower. Also, people who are being treated for diseases like cancer, those who have had an organ transplant, or those who are taking certain medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) can have this condition. If these people get sick, it can be very serious.

Imagine, you have an old grandmother in your house, who also has a disease like Diabetes Mellitus. She finds it difficult to go out and be around everyone, she is afraid of catching a disease. But, if she gets vaccinated like everyone else in the village and becomes `immune`, then grandma can also be free from fear, right? That is the greatest value of `(Herd Immunity)`. By becoming `immune`, we unknowingly protect someone else.

It is generally said that if 7 or 8 out of 10 people in a community are `immune` to a disease, the entire community is largely protected from that disease. That means the chance of the disease spreading is greatly reduced. However, for diseases that are highly contagious, like measles, this number needs to be even higher. Perhaps 95%, that is, 95 out of 100, need to be `immune` to completely stop the spread of the disease.

So, how important are vaccines to create herd immunity?

Now you might be thinking, 'Okay, if you can get the disease and become `immune,' why get the vaccine?' Here's the thing. The idea of ​​achieving `(Herd Immunity)' without a vaccine means that a large number of people in society will have to get the disease, get sick, suffer severely, and even lose their lives to become `immune.' Imagine how dangerous that would be? It's like letting the disease spread and saying, 'Those who can survive, don't care what happens to those who can't.'

But, thanks to vaccines, we have been able to create herd immunity without causing such a huge devastation and without people getting sick. Today, we have been able to control and almost completely eliminate many diseases that have plagued people for a long time, such as measles, polio, and chickenpox. It is impossible to imagine how many lives have been saved and how many people have been saved from permanent disabilities.

But, unfortunately, sometimes, when some groups refuse to get vaccinated or do not participate in vaccination programs properly, the diseases we have controlled start to rise again. Recently, outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and pertussis/whooping cough have been reported in various parts of the world. These have often been linked to communities that have not been properly vaccinated. This means that when herd immunity is reduced, diseases have the opportunity to spread again.

Therefore, getting vaccinated is very important for our own safety, as well as the safety of others in our community, especially those in the aforementioned risk groups. Only if we all get vaccinated responsibly can we keep this protective wall of ``Herd Immunity'' strong.

So, what are the most important things we should remember from this story?

Although the concept of ``Herd Immunity'' we talked about seems very simple, the service it provides to our social health is very great. Let's remind ourselves of this again:

• Herd immunity is when most people in a community become immune to a disease, the spread of the disease is slowed, and those who are not immune are protected. It's like a protective shield is formed around us.
• The best and safest way to become `immune` to a disease is to get vaccinated. Becoming `immune` after contracting the disease can be risky and dangerous.
• Herd immunity is especially important because it protects young children who cannot get vaccinated, older adults with compromised immune systems, and people whose immune systems are weakened by various illnesses. If they do get sick, it is more likely to be severe.
• When we get vaccinated, we not only ensure our own safety, but we also contribute to protecting our family, friends, neighbors, and the entire community. It is a great responsibility, but also a great blessing.
• Although vaccination is a personal decision, its consequences affect the entire society.Therefore, by knowing the correct information and getting vaccinated according to medical advice, we can all build a healthy, safe society.

So, I hope you have a good understanding of `(Herd Immunity)`. If you have any further questions about this, you can ask your family doctor or the local health officer. Remember, it is with the cooperation of all of us that we are all protected!

` Herd Immunity, Vaccines, Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Community Health, Safety