Do you often get colds and flu during the rainy season and when the climate changes? Do you feel like you can easily catch even the smallest thing? The main reason for that could be that your body's defense system, that is, the immunity we are talking about, is a little weak. So, what is this immunity, and how can we strengthen it and stay safe from diseases , let's talk today.
Simply put, what is this immune system?
Imagine that our body is like a country. Then this immune system is like the army and police of that country. The main duty of this system is to prevent enemies from outside, that is, germs like bacteria and viruses that cause diseases, from entering the body.
Simply put, it's a powerful, balanced network of cells and organs in our bodies that work together to find and destroy foreign substances. Like a "search-and-destroy" operation, a special force called immune cells go throughout the body to find and destroy these invaders.
How does this security system work?
This works in a very strange way. Our bodies make special proteins called antibodies. These antibodies act like our body's security guards. They recognize and destroy any abnormal or foreign cells, such as germs, that enter the body. These antibodies play a big role in protecting us from illnesses like the common cold and flu that we all get.
In addition, our body has another defense mechanism, called the cell-mediated immune system. This also attacks things like cells infected with bacteria and viruses .
The most amazing thing about this system is its memory. When a germ enters the body for the first time, our immune system remembers it well. The next time the same germ comes into the body, it says, "Oh, I recognize this one," and uses that memory to destroy the enemy before it can cause illness.
This is the principle on which vaccines work. Vaccines for diseases like the flu, measles, chickenpox, and hepatitis are made using a very small amount of a weakened or killed virus. When this is given to the body, our immune cells can respond to it, recognize the enemy, and learn how to protect themselves the next time the real germ comes along. It's like training our army.
Will lifestyle changes help with this?
Absolutely yes! Our bad health habits can slow down the immune system. That's why doctors always tell us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you follow these things, you will feel a big difference.
1. Reduce stress.
This is the most important thing you can do. When you are constantly stressed, your body releases stress hormones . This makes it harder for your body to fight off illness. Relaxation techniques, daily exercise, and stress management techniques can help a lot.
2. Sleep well.
For your immune system to function at its best, you need to get 7 to 8 hours of good sleep a day . It's when we sleep that our bodies repair themselves and our immune systems strengthen.
3. Exercise
Daily exercise helps to keep the immune system at a high level. Good habits like these increase the level of a special protein called IgA in our immune system. This protein fights infections. That is, it prevents germs from entering the body and also helps to destroy the germs that have entered.
4. Take care of cleanliness
The best and simplest way to protect yourself from germs is to wash your hands with soap and water regularly . Make it a habit to wash your hands thoroughly for at least the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice (about 20 seconds).
What are the important vaccines we should get?
It is very important to get your vaccinations on time for your own safety and that of your family. Talk to your family doctor about this and get the right advice. In general, here are some of the vaccines that you should get.
| For whom? | Vaccine Name | Important points |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children (most) | COVID-19 and the Flu Shot | It is especially important for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems due to diseases such as HIV and cancer. (Flu vaccine is not given to babies under 6 months of age). |
| Adults | Tetanus | It should be updated every 10 years. |
| People who work in risky jobs (e.g. hospital workers) | Hepatitis A & B | Ask your doctor about the requirements depending on the nature of your job. |
| For children and young children (according to the National Vaccination Program) | ||
| Children and young children | Hepatitis A and B | All of these vaccines are given at the appropriate ages under the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka. Check your child's Immunization Card and talk to your family doctor or local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if you have missed any vaccines. |
| Rotavirus | ||
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) | ||
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | ||
| Chickenpox (Varicella) | ||
| Polio | ||
| Pneumococcus | ||
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | ||
| Meningococcal | ||
| Influenza | ||
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (HiB) | ||
Take-Home Message
- The most important thing you can do to keep your immune system strong is to reduce stress.
- It is essential to get 7-8 hours of good sleep daily.
- Engaging in exercises that suit your body helps boost immunity.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Talk to your doctor about getting your and your children's vaccines on time . It's the best way to protect yourself from a number of diseases.
Immunity, immune system, flu, cold, vaccination, vaccines, healthy life
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