Without the immune system, human life would be impossible. The immune system is so perfect that it is capable of not only recognizing a foreign body (distinguishing its biomolecules from its own), but also isolating and destroying it inside the body.

Innate immune system

The innate immunity in our body is constantly in “working” mode; it is the very first one that encounters all pests and eliminates them. The work of innate immunity begins after the birth of a child, however, not at full strength. The complete strengthening and development of immunity occurs gradually, which is why it is very important to feed the baby with breast milk and harden it.

Immediately after birth, the immune system is already able to protect the child from bacterial diseases such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media, etc. When an infection enters the body, the first obstacle it encounters on its way is the mucous membranes, which have an acidic environment that is not favorable for its development. . As soon as the infection reaches the mucous membranes, bactericidal substances begin to be released. It is the mucous membranes that trap and eliminate most aggressive microorganisms.

If for some reason the mucous membranes did not cope with their task, and the infection went inside the body, it encounters the next obstacle - specialized cells, phagocytes, which are found both on the skin and mucous membranes, and in the blood. Together with special protein complexes, phagocytes have a bactericidal and antiviral effect, due to which only 0.1% of all viruses and bacteria survive.

Specific immune system

The specific immune system, or as it is also called acquired, is developed gradually. The body gradually learns to distinguish “friends” from “strangers” thanks to immunological memory. This process is only possible through contact with bacteria, viruses and microorganisms. This protection is formed by two very important and closely related factors - cellular (T- and B-lymphocytes) and humoral (immunoglobulins - antibodies). The cellular factor remembers the foreign substance, and when it encounters it again, it quickly and effectively destroys it - this is immunological memory. This is exactly how they work - a strain of the virus is purposefully introduced into the body so that the T- and B-lymphocytes remember the virus and, when they encounter it again, quickly destroy it. T-lymphocytes destroy the virus on their own, and B-lymphocytes secrete special antibodies - immunoglobulins. You've probably seen them more than once in test results - they come in 5 types: IgE, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD.

Immune system in newborns

In the process of life, a person constantly encounters aggressive microorganisms and produces immunoglobulins to hundreds of such foreign bodies. The baby’s body is much more vulnerable in this regard, since the acquired immunity is still completely “inexperienced.”

The formation of the immune system in a newborn begins approximately at the 3-8th week of pregnancy, it is then that the child’s liver is formed, which begins to secrete those same B-lymphocytes. Somewhere between the 5th and 12th weeks, the thymus (the thymus gland located at the top of the sternum) forms, where T-lymphocytes begin to form and train. At the same time, the first IgG immunoglobulins will begin to be produced. After the 32nd week of pregnancy, B lymphocytes secrete the entire complex of immunoglobulins, which will help protect the baby’s body in the first months of life. Once the spleen is formed (at approximately 21 weeks), lymphocytes begin to be released. However, the lymph nodes, which are supposed to trap foreign bodies, will be able to fully protect the child’s body only by 7-8 years.

Remember! Not proper nutrition, infectious diseases in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can negatively affect the formation of these organs! Therefore, it is very important to avoid contact with patients with flu, avoid hypothermia and maintain a balanced diet.

The first critical period in the development of the immune system

This marks the moment of birth when the baby's immune system is purposefully suppressed. The thing is that, passing through the birth canal, the baby encounters a mass of new bacteria, and when it is born, the number of new bacteria is billions. If the baby’s immune system worked the same way as an adult’s, the child’s body simply could not withstand such a “collision” with the new environment. That is why by the time of birth the baby’s immune system only works at 40-50%. Because of this, the child’s body is very susceptible to viruses and bacteria; his health is maintained only thanks to immunoglobulins received from the mother. After birth, the baby’s intestines begin to be “populated” with beneficial intestinal bacteria, the baby eats special mixtures or breast milk, receiving everything necessary for the development of the immune system. It is worth noting that it is important here, which is recommended to be given to the baby immediately after birth before the milk comes in.

The second critical period in the development of the immune system

By approximately 6 months, all antibodies received from the mother are completely gone from the body. By this time, the baby’s body should already be producing immunoglobulin A on its own (but it does not have memory, so vaccinations completed at this age must be repeated). In the period from 3 to 6 months, it is necessary to harden the baby; after bathing in water with a temperature of 36-37 degrees, it is recommended to pour water on the child 1-2 degrees lower. Every 5 days, it is recommended to reduce the water temperature by 1 degree and bring it to 28.

The third critical period in the development of the immune system

This period occurs in the second and third years of a child’s life. During this period, the active formation of specific immunity occurs - the baby comes into contact with other children, adults, animals, begins to attend nurseries and kindergarten. During this period, children get sick much more often, and often one disease replaces another. There is no need to worry here, this does not mean that the child has poor immunity, he just encounters new viruses and bacteria - this is a necessary stage in the development of acquired immunity. Normally, a child gets sick up to 8-12 times a year.

It is worth noting that at this age there is no need to give the child immunostimulating drugs - they have many contraindications, side effects In addition, they will lower the child’s natural immunity.

The fourth critical period in the development of the immune system

This is the last period and it occurs between 5-7 years. At this age, the child already has T- and B-lymphocytes almost at adult levels, however, immunoglobulin A is still in short supply, so children at this age often acquire chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. At this age, it is necessary to give your child multivitamin complexes during the cold season, but it is better to check with your pediatrician which complexes to give your child. It is worth giving immunostimulating drugs only after an immunogram has been completed, which will show which part of the immune system is suffering.

The body's defense system, whichprotectsus from harmful external influences is called immunity. The stronger the protective force, the healthier the person. There is a non-specific and specific immunity , each type is equally important. In order for our body to cope with bacteria and viruses in a timely manner and prevent the disease from developing, the immune system must be constantly strengthened. The formation of immunity and its renewal occurs throughout life. In the article we will analyze in more detail how a specificand nonspecificimmunity. What needs to be done so that he copes with his protectivefunction?

The concept of specific immunity

Both specific and nonspecific immunity begin to form from stem cells. Subsequently, their paths diverge: the nonspecific one sends its cells to the spleen, the specific one sends its cells to the thymus or thymus gland. There, each of them turns into antibodies, which already perform their protective functions. The more nAOn its way, the immune system encounters microorganisms, the greater the supply of antibodies it has to fight various diseases. This is the answer to the question why domesticated, pampered children get sick more often than those who grow up outdoors, in the fresh air.

Acquired(specific) immunity is the body’s ability not to perceive certain infections; it is formed throughout life. Specific immunity in medicine is divided into two types: active and passive. How is specific active immunity created? ? Specific immunity is associated with phagocytosis. It appears after illness or during vaccination, when weakened bacteria and viruses are introduced. As soon as the immune system encounters a pathogen, antibodies are produced. A recurrent disease caused by the same viruses will pass in a milder form or completely bypass the body. Antibodies already existing in the body quickly neutralize enemies.

Passive specific immunity

For formation, ready-made antibodies are artificially introduced into the body. For example, passive immunity is also used to form breast-feeding, along with mother’s milk, the child already receives ready-made protective antibodies.

Active specific immunity is a reaction for a specific pathogen. For example, it appears after vaccination against smallpox. It should be remembered that the presence of antibodies in the blood, their active work, resistance to pathogens depends on the general condition of the immune system and its health.

Nonspecific immunity

Formation of nonspecific, as with specific immunity is associated with phagocytosis. Congenital is transmitted tomfrom parents with genes, it makes up 60% of all our defenses.

Phagocytes are cells that absorb organisms foreign to us. They are formed from stem cells and are “instructed” in the spleen, where they learn to recognize strangers.

Nonspecific immunity operates effectively and simply: it detects antigens and immediately removes them. An important mission and feature of nonspecific immunity is the ability to fight and destroy tumor cancer cells.

How is defense organized in our body?

The first barrier in the path of microbes is our skin, as well as mucous membranes. In addition to mechanical protection, they also have bactericidal properties, provided that they are not damaged. Protection is provided by the secretions of the sebaceous and sweat glands. For example, after just 15 minutes upon contact with healthy skin the causative agent of typhoid fever dies. The mucous membranes secrete secretions that are extremely destructive to microbes.

If the microbes are highly pathogenic or their attack is too massive, the mucosal and skin barriers become insufficient. In such cases, bacteria and viruses enter the body. Inflammation occurs, in which complex immune mechanisms are activated. Leukocytes and phagocytes get to work, and special substances (immunoglobulin, interferon) are produced to fight the “enemy.” Such reactions of the body are caused by nonspecific immunity.

At the same time, specific immunity is activated, which forms protective factors - antibodies aimed at fighting a specific microbe. In many ways, the effectiveness and speed of antibody production will depend on whether the body has already been visited by a given pathogen.Specific immunity is providedalready existing antibodies. Familiar pathogens will be quickly destroyed. If there has not yet been a collision, then the body needs time to produce antibodies and to fight a new, unfamiliar “enemy.”

Structure of the immune system

Specific immunity is provided by lymphocytes o one of the methods: humoral or cellular. The entire immune system is represented as a complex of lymphoid tissue and lymphoid organs. Refer here:

Bone marrow;

spleen;

thymus;

The lymph nodes.

Also included in the immune system are:

nasopharyngeal tonsils;

lymphoid plaques in the intestines;

lymphoid nodules located in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, respiratory tube;

lymphoid diffuse tissue;

lymphoid cells;

interepithelial lymphocytes.

The main elements in the immune system are lymphoid cells and macrophages. Lymphoid organs are “warehouses” for lymphoid cells.

What weakens the immune system

What causes a person’s body to lose its protective properties due to a number of reasons,Towhich include:

poor nutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals;

abuse of hormonal drugs and antibiotics;

chronic stress and fatigue;

impact of radiation conditions, atmospheric pollution.

In addition, immunity may decrease after surgery, anesthesia, with large blood loss, burns, injuries, with intoxication and infections, with frequent colds, and chronic diseases. A decrease in immunity is especially evident after ARVI and influenza.

Children's immunity needs to be highlighted separately. During the development of a child, there are five stages when immunity can decrease to a critical level:

age up to 30 days;

from 3 to 6 months;

at the 2nd year of life;

from 4 to 6 years;

in adolescence.

In pediatrics, there is even a concept of FSI (frequently ill children), this includeskids,who get sick four times a year or more.

Strengthening the immune system

To strengthen protective functions, it is necessary to take measures to strengthen nonspecific and specific immunity.

Nonspecific immunity is strengthened if the general resistance of the body increases. As a rule, when they sayhthen you needstrengthen the immune system, they mean the nonspecific type. What is required for this:

adherence to daily routine;

good nutrition - content in food of the required amount of minerals, vitamins, amino acids;

zanyatiyasports, hardening of the body;

ateata drugov,strengtheningXand reinforcingimmunity, for example with beta-carotene;

Avoidancepleasefrequent use of antibiotics, maintainingthTeWithbonly doctor's orders.

Strengthening (creating) specific immunity

Specific immunity is created by introduction of the vaccine. It acts purposefully against any disease. It is worth considering that when carrying out active vaccination, that is, when weakened pathogens are introduced, the body’s protective reactions are immediately directed to the production of antibodies to fight the disease. As a result, the body's response to other infections is temporarily weakened. Therefore, before vaccination, it is necessary to increase and strengthen your own nonspecific immunity. Otherwise, there is a chance of quickly catching a virus.

The ability of the immune system to resist any “invasion” largely depends on factors such as a person’s age. For example, a newborn’s immunity has only those antibodies that were passed on to him from his mother, so there is a high probabilityvarious diseases. It has long been customary not to show the baby to strangers in the first month and not to take it out of the house in order to protect it from various specific antigens. In older people, the activity of the thymus gland decreases, so they often become defenseless against various viruses. When choosing immunocorrection, these age features must be taken into account.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is a reliable way to acquire specific immunity and an opportunity to protect against a specific disease. Active immunity is formed due to the production of antibodies to the introduced weakened virus. By itself, it is not capable of causing the disease, but it helps activate the immune system, which responds specifically to this disease.

It is important to remember that after any vaccination a reaction can occur,andminor side effects in a mild form. This is normal, no need to panic. Uweakenedchildren often experience worsening chronic diseases after vaccinations, because the forces of basic immunity are directed to the productionantibodiesTointroduceddrug.respond better, the incidence of side effects does not exceed 2%. In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to prepare the body and normalize nonspecific immunity. All the measures described above are suitable for this.

Chapter 2. Main part

2.1 What is immunity?
2.2 Types of immunity

2.4 Factors that harm the immune system

2.5 Features of immunity
2.6 Causes of decreased immunity

Chapter 3. Formation of immunity in children preschool age

3.1 The child often gets sick due to decreased immunity

3.2 “5 critical periods in the lives of children”

3.3 Immunity restoration

Chapter 4. Conclusion
Chapter 5. References.

Applications.

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Preview:

Chapter 2. Main part

2.1 What is immunity?
2.2 Types of immunity
2.3 Mechanism of action of the immune response
2.4 Factors that harm the immune system

2.5 Features of immunity
2.6 Causes of decreased immunity

Chapter 3. Formation of immunity in preschool children

3.1 The child often gets sick due to decreased immunity

3.2 " 5 critical periods in children's lives"

3.3 Immunity restoration

Chapter 4. Conclusion
Chapter 5. References.

Applications.

Chapter 1.

Introduction.

People say: “Health is like the weather; while it’s good, you don’t notice.”
Why do people – not doctors – need to know about immunity? An analysis of the health status of the population around the world has shown that medicine cannot make people healthy without equipping a person with knowledge about his own nature, the causes of diseases, and ways to restore and maintain the normal functioning of all organs and systems of the body.
In this regard, the awareness of people - not doctors, in matters of maintaining the normal functioning of the body's immune system is invaluable. IN modern world A person can develop various immune disorders, as a result of which a person becomes, in fact, a hostage to immunodeficiency for life, which determines his “health.”
Research in recent years has shown that the main cause of many, many diseases is immunity disorders. No matter what or how a person is treated, the disease returns again and again until his immune system is restored, until the body is able to heal itself.
Goal: to find out what immunity is, how to increase it and form it in preschool children.
Tasks:

• study and analyze material on the topic;
• consider the mechanism of action of immunity;
• find out the causes of weakened immunity;
• find ways to increase immunity;
• children's immunity;
• analyze and systematize the information received.

Chapter 2

Main part

2.1. What is immunity?

Today one of the fashionable topics is human immunity. Various articles and scientific works are written on this topic, but the illiteracy of the population regarding this issue remains quite high. Nevertheless, in order to successfully deal with the issues of restoring your health, and even better - preventing it, you need to understand these fundamental concepts.

Immunity - the body’s protective reaction, the ability to counteract damaging factors and provide immunity to infection. The immune system controls the complex mechanism of interaction between several systems simultaneously: nervous, endocrine, metabolism and others.

It consists of a number of units - cellular, humoral, phagocytic, interferon, the interaction of which ensures the correct reactions of the defense system. A deficiency or excess of any of them leads to disorders.

The elements of the human immune system are bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, intestinal lymphoid formations, fetal liver, as well as bone marrow cells - lymphocytes and monocytes present in the blood and tissues. Immunity is carried out by the cells themselves (cellular) and the products of their vital activity (humoral).

The defense of the human body has a multi-level system and therefore it is impossible for foreign organisms to survive provided that our immune system (IS) is healthy and all its components are working properly. But in order to “help” your immunity if something happens, you need to know its “structure” and how it works.

2.2 Types of immunity

According to the mechanism of development, they distinguish the following types immunity:
Species immunity, genetically determined by the metabolic characteristics of a given species. It is mainly associated with the lack necessary conditions for pathogen propagation.
For example, dogs do not get sick from some human diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, dysentery), and, conversely, people are not susceptible to the causative agent of canine distemper. Strictly speaking, this type of resistance is not true immunity, since it is not carried out by the immune system. However, there are variants of species immunity due to natural antibodies. Such antibodies are initially present in the required quantities against many bacteria and viruses.
Acquired immunity occurs throughout life. It can be natural and artificial, each of which can be active or passive.
Natural passive immunity occurs as a result of the transfer from mother to fetus through the placenta or with milk of ready-made protective factors.
Natural active immunity appears as a result of contact with a pathogen after an illness.
Artificial passive immunity is created after the introduction of ready-made antibodies into the body with blood sera from immunized donors.
Artificial active immunity is created after the introduction of vaccines containing microorganisms or their parts into the body.

2.3. Mechanism of action of the immune response

The immune response is the body's reaction to the aggression of microbes or toxins. It is caused by any substance that is structurally different from human tissue, but it varies depending on the underlying mechanisms.

Nonspecific immune response- the first reaction when an infection is detected. It is almost the same for any type of microbe and determines overall resistance. Its task is to form a focus of inflammation as a universal protective process of localization and primary destruction of microbes.

Specific immune response– the second stage of the body’s defense. It is characterized by recognition of the microbe and the creation of specific protection factors.

Nonspecific and specific immunity are consistent and complement each other. There are two types of specific immunity: cellular and humoral.

The cellular immune response is the formation of K lymphocytes that destroy cells containing foreign materials. It is aimed primarily at eliminating viral infections and certain types of bacteria (leprosy, tuberculosis), as well as cancer cells.

The humoral immune response is the activation of B lymphocytes, after recognition of actively synthesizing antibodies (immunoglobulins).

There can be many different antigens on the surface of one microbe, so a whole series of antibodies is produced, each of which is directed to a specific antigen. Immunoglobulin is a protein molecule that can adhere to microorganisms of a certain structure and cause its destruction.

The strength of the immune response varies and depends on the body's reactivity - the level of reaction to infection and toxins.

2.4. Factors that harm the immune system

• Unhealthy Lifestyle
• Pollution environment
• The emergence of new viral bacteria
• Frequent bacterial and viral infections
• Poor nutrition
• Long-term treatment with antibiotics and other drugs

• Heavy physical and mental stress, stress.

2.5. Features of immunity

When solving the problem of strengthening the immune system (IS), it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of immunity, which depend on the age of the individual. We already know that the formation of human IP begins already from the 2nd month of pregnancy and ends by 14-16 years. During this time, a person goes through several critical periods associated with the characteristics of immunity. For example, in the first months of his life, a baby has only nonspecific immunity inherited from his parents and is highly susceptible to all kinds of infections that are of a specific nature. This, of course, must be taken into account. In old age, the formation of specific immune cells is also problematic because The thymus has already lost its activity and decreased in volume by 10 times (compared to its maximum weight). It is for these reasons that the characteristics of immunity must be constantly taken into account when dealing with issues of your health.

2.6. Causes of decreased immunity

Age-related changes, aging and wear and tear of the body also lead to a decrease in immunity. But there are also various methods for promoting health and increasing immunity in children and adults.

Chapter 3.

3.1.Formation of immunity in preschool children.

Children's immunity is formed during intrauterine development. If a child is often sick, the cause may be smoking or alcohol abuse by parents, infectious diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy, or lack of milk during breastfeeding, which is very important for the formation of the child’s immunity. Children who are breastfed from birth to six months are much less likely to get sick and grow strong. Every drop of mother’s milk is valuable for the baby and can boost immunity: after all, with milk, antibodies to diseases previously suffered by the mother enter the child’s body.

High concentration of class A immunoglobulins in the first breast milk, which, during feeding, is distributed in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract, providing the baby with complete protection. Thus, the child’s immunity, without getting sick itself, “gets acquainted” with a whole range of diseases. Artificial nutrition Infant formula naturally does not contain such immunoglobulins, and the likelihood of infection of the child increases.

Newborns often show signs of incomplete maturation of the immune system. The reason is slow intrauterine development. In such cases, constant medical supervision is required, procedures to strengthen the health of children, promote the formation of the immune system and support the child until its completion.

As a rule, the set and quantity of antibodies reaches normal concentration by 2-3 years of life.

3.2. “5 critical periods in the lives of children”

There are “5 critical periods in the life of children, each of which has its own characteristics of immunity.

1. The first 28 days of life, when children have immunity received from their mother. The absence of maternal antibodies from any infection increases the sensitivity of the child. The so-called first crossover in the white blood formula on the fifth day of life establishes the predominance of lymphocytes. It is very important to continue breastfeeding during this time. However, during this period, the nonspecific immune response is insufficient due to undeveloped phagocytosis (weak ability of granular leukocytes to localize infections and destroy the pathogen)

1. At 3-6 months, maternal antibodies are destroyed. The period when active immunity is formed. Children are susceptible to ARVI, intestinal infections, food allergies and require additional factors (for example, vaccination) to boost immunity.
2. Around 2 years of age, when the child is actively exploring the world, atopic diathesis and congenital anomalies may appear.
3. At the age of 4-6 years, active immunity has already accumulated, formed due to previous infectious diseases and vaccination. Acute processes and chronic diseases may occur.
4. At the age of 12-15, rapid hormonal changes occur. Increased secretion of sex hormones is combined with a decrease in the size of lymphoid organs. Time of final formation of types of immune response. At the same time, the child’s body encounters alcohol, smoking, and drugs for the first time.

The child often gets sick due to decreased immunity

A child who is often ill is not at all uncommon. Often the source of recurring diseases is decreased immunity.

Obvious signs of a weakened immune system: chronic fatigue, fatigue, headaches, drowsiness, insomnia, aching muscles and joints, frequent colds and exacerbations of herpes, prolonged increases in temperature, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Various factors can affect the formation and level of immunity in a child.

3.3. Immunity restoration

Immunity restoration in children can be of two types.

For specific immunocorrection, drugs are used that directly affect the immune system and help in effective treatment ARVI:

• Immunostimulants that promote age-related maturation of the immune system,
• Inducers of immunological tolerance, increasing the activity of the immune system.
• Immunosuppressants to support the immune system
• These drugs can be prescribed by an immunologist and only after a detailed examination of the level of immunity in a particular child.
• With nonspecific immunocorrection, immunity can be increased by: proper nutrition: varied and high-quality food. Regular consumption of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, herbs, dairy products. Elimination of preservatives and foods with excess sugar from the diet. Refusal of diets and, on the other hand, the fight against excess weight.
• Vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B5, C, D, F, PP, minerals - selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, iodine and manganese.
• Probiotics are foods that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body: onions and leeks, garlic, bananas and artichokes.
• Hardening the body. Alternation of low and high temperatures: contrast shower, dousing cold water, bathhouse, sauna.
• Natural remedies: echinacea, licorice, ginseng, lemongrass, as well as herbal decoctions and infusions. It is possible to use medicines, made on the basis of plant adaptogens, or the use of interferon inducers (potentiate the production of the body’s own interferons) - anaferon for children, ergoferon.
• Active lifestyle, physical exercise: gymnastics, running and swimming, fitness, aerobics, long walks.
• Relaxation. Proper relaxation helps to effectively combat the effects of stress. Calm music, positive thoughts, breathing exercises.
• Fighting dysbiosis: maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria and bacteria in the intestines.
• Full sleep. You need to sleep at least 8 hours a day, and for preschool children, the optimal duration of night sleep is 10 hours.

Chapter 4.

Conclusion.

The human immune system begins its formation before the birth of a child. Its place and extent of influence on health are genetically programmed. From birth to the end of puberty, step by step, the structure and functions of the immune system are formed. The development of the immune system goes through a number of critical stages that must be taken into account when assessing health status, developing preventive programs and prescribing treatment for diseases. For supporting age maturation of the immune system and its full functioning in subsequent years, it is necessary to receive immunonutrients (microelements and vitamins) daily from food and take measures to preserve and restore normal intestinal microflora.

Why does a child have a weak immune system? To understand this issue, we have collected information that explains the principle of operation, the peculiarities of the formation of immunity in children and the reasons for its decline in babies under one year old and older children. From the article, parents will also learn what signs can be used to determine that a child has a weak immune system.

What is immunity and how does it work?

When various viral or bacterial infections make their way into the human body, it begins to actively fight them. The ability of the immune system to fight various types infections that enter the body is called immunity.

Immunity is a set of physiological processes and mechanisms aimed at maintaining the body's antigenic homeostasis from biologically active substances and creatures that carry genetically foreign antigenic information or from genetically foreign protein agents.

Immunity classification

Distinguish congenital ( species) and acquired immunity . Specific (congenital, hereditary) immunity is inherited by the baby. Acquired immunity accumulates throughout a person’s life and is divided into natural and artificial.

Natural (acquired) immunity divided into active and passive. Active natural immunity accumulates gradually after successful fight against a particular infection. Not all past diseases contribute to the formation of lifelong immunity. A child can suffer some diseases several times after the next interaction with a microbe. If a child has had rubella or rubella, then in almost all cases he will acquire stable, lifelong immunity against these diseases. The duration of immunity depends on the ability of the microbe to cause an immune response. Passive natural immunity is formed due to antibodies that are transmitted from mother to child through the placenta during pregnancy and through milk during breastfeeding.

Artificial acquired immunity divided into passive and active. Active immunity is formed after the . Passive immunity appears after special serums with antibodies are introduced into the human body. The duration of such immunity is measured in several weeks, and after the end of this period it disappears.

The concept of an immune response and its types

Immune response- this is the body’s reaction to the ingress of any foreign microbes or their poisons.

Types of immune response:

• Nonspecific immune response is activated almost instantly as soon as the microbe enters the child’s body. Its goal is to destroy the microbe by forming a focus of inflammation. The inflammatory response is a universal protective process aimed at preventing an increase in the microbial field of activity. The overall resistance of the body directly depends on nonspecific immunity. Children with weakened nonspecific immunity are most susceptible to various diseases.
• Specific immune response T - the second stage of the body’s defense reactions. At this stage, the body tries to recognize the microbe and develop protective factors that will be aimed at eliminating a specific type of microbe. Specific and nonspecific immune responses invariably overlap and complement each other.

The specific immune response is divided into cellular and humoral:

• When it works cell specific immune response , clones of lymphocytes are formed that seek to destroy targets whose membranes contain foreign materials, such as cellular proteins. Cellular immunity helps eliminate viral infections, as well as some types of bacterial infections (for example, tuberculosis). In addition, activated lymphocytes are an active weapon in the fight against cancer cells.
• Specific humoral immune response acts through B lymphocytes. Once a microbe is recognized, they actively synthesize antibodies according to the principle of one type of antigen - one type of antibody. During all infectious diseases, antibodies always begin to be produced. The humoral immune response develops over several weeks, during which time the necessary amount of immunoglobulins is formed in the body in order to completely neutralize the source of infection. Lymphocyte clones are able to remain in the body for quite a long time, so upon repeated contact with microorganisms they give a powerful immune response.

There are several types of antibodies (immunoglobulins):

• Antibodies type A (IgA) needed to provide local immunity. They try to prevent germs from penetrating through the skin or mucous membranes.
• Antibodies type M (IgM) are activated immediately after the child has had contact with the infection. They are able to simultaneously bind several microbes. If antibodies of type M (IgM) were detected during a blood test, then they are evidence of the emergence and growth of an acute infectious process in the body.
• Immunoglobulins type G (IgG) capable of protecting the body from the penetration of various microorganisms for a long time.
• Antibodies type E (IgE) - protecting the body from the penetration of microbes and their poisons through the skin.

How immunity is formed in children: five critical periods in the life of children

The baby’s immune system begins to form during intrauterine development, when strong connections are established between the body of mother and child. The baby begins to produce small amounts of its own M antibodies around the twelfth week of pregnancy, and their number becomes greater immediately before birth.

In addition, by the 12th week of pregnancy, T-leukocytes appear in the baby’s body, the number of which increases on the fifth day of the baby’s life. In the first months of a child’s life, maternal antibodies protect the baby, since the baby’s body is practically unable to synthesize its own immunoglobulins. The required amount of type M antibodies approaches adult levels only at 3-5 years of a child’s life.

There are five critical periods in the life of children that influence the process of formation of the immune system:

1. Neonatal period (up to the 28th day of a child’s life). The baby is protected by the mother's immune system, while his own immune system is just beginning to form. The child’s body is susceptible to the effects of various types of viral infections, especially those from which the mother did not pass on her antibodies to the baby. At this time, it is extremely important to establish and maintain breastfeeding, since breast milk is best protection for the baby.
2. The period from 3 to 6 months of a child’s life. At this time, maternal antibodies are destroyed in the baby’s body, and active immunity is formed. During this period, ARVI viruses begin to act especially actively. In addition, babies can easily catch an intestinal infection and suffer from inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. The baby may not acquire antibodies to diseases such as whooping cough, rubella, and chickenpox from the mother if she does not have vaccinations or did not have them in childhood. Then there is a high risk that these diseases may develop in a rather severe form in the baby. There is a high probability of recurrence of the disease, because the infant’s immunological memory has not yet formed. There is also a high risk of allergies in a child, primarily to food.
3. The period from 2 to 3 years of the baby’s life. The child actively learns about the world around him, but the primary immune response still predominates in the work of his immunity, and the system of local immunity and the production of type A antibodies remains rather immature. Children during this period are most susceptible to bacterial rather than viral infections, which can be repeated several times.
4. Age 6-7 years. During this period, the child already has baggage with accumulated active immunity. However, parents should worry that the disease may become chronic. In addition, there is a high risk of allergic reactions.
5. Adolescence. For girls it begins at 12-13 years old, for boys a little later - at 14-15 years old. At this time, rapid growth and hormonal changes in the body occur, which are combined with a decrease in lymphoid organs. Chronic diseases make themselves felt with new strength. In addition, the child's immune system is tested if the teenager encounters bad habits.

Weak immunity: main signs

Signs of low immunity in children of different ages :

• in young years.
• The child often experiences prolonged acute otitis media, and a runny nose will certainly turn into sinusitis or sinusitis. Problems arise with the adenoids, as well as the palatine tonsils.
• Constant tearfulness and irritability, poor short-term sleep.
• Poor appetite.
• Pale skin.
• Poor bowel function. The stool is irregular or too small, or loose, or it is difficult for the baby to have a bowel movement.
• It takes a very long time for a child to recover after being ill.
• Frequent occurrence of fungal infections.

Factors that reduce children's immunity

Causes of reduced immunity in infants:

1. Trauma during passage through the birth canal.
2. Difficult pregnancy.
3. Poor heredity and predisposition to infectious diseases.
4. The baby refused breast milk before reaching six months of age.
5. Incorrect complementary feeding with excess or deficiency of essential nutrients.
6. Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Drug overdose.
8. Severe psychological trauma.
9. Poor ecology, especially in areas with high radiation.

Reasons for decreased immunity in school-age children:

1. Recurrent diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
2. Poor nutrition, including eating foods that contain excess nitrates or pesticides.
3. Stress and constant nervous tension.
4. The emergence of conflicts leading to misunderstanding and rejection in the team.
5. Abuse of TV, computer, and other modern gadgets.
6. The child spends a minimum amount of time outside and does not rest. Fatigue and overwhelming loads: school plus many additional clubs and sections.
7. Allergies worsen every year in spring and autumn.

If a child’s immunity is weak, then it is necessary to strengthen it. The article “How to Strengthen the Immunity” will tell you how to do this.