CHAPTER 3 NOTES3.2 Factors Affecting the Immune System

GENERAL

A vaccine is a special version of an antigen that gives you immunity against a disease (like a weakened form of a disease)

Started by people like Mary Montagu noticing women in Turkey infecting their children with a mild form of small pox or doctors like Edward Jenner noticing that farmers who had cow pox never got small pox

DISORDERS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM1. Allergies  Unusually high sensitivity to some substance which

acts like an antigen Substances that cause allergic reactions are called

allergens  Symptoms include runny nose and watery eyes which

are a side effect of a substance called histamines Antihistamines are taken to combat the effect  If the reaction is severe and a person goes into

anaphylactic shock then needles with adrenaline are injected into the body

MORE DISORDERS

2. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Caused by the HIV virus which attacks and destroys helper T cells so other pathogens can enter the body

Mainly transmitted in body fluid (semen and blood)

TAKING CARE OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Eat a well balanced diet Maintain your personal hygiene Keep your home clean Avoid tobacco and other non-prescription

drugs Get plenty of rest and exercise Keep your vaccinations up to date Do not engage in activities that involve

sharing body fluids with others