6.4 Aids to Health

Immunity

  • Active Immunity: Immunity resulting from the body's own production of antibodies in response to an antigen.
  • Passive Immunity: Short-term immunity from receiving antibodies from another source (person or animal).

Health Aids

  • Vaccination: Administration of a vaccine to develop protection from a disease.
  • Immunization: Process of becoming immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically via vaccine.
  • Antitoxin: Antibody that counteracts a toxin.
  • Serum: Clear liquid separated from clotted blood (contains antibodies).
  • Antiseptics: Substances applied to living tissue to reduce infection.
  • Disinfectants: Chemical agents used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate objects.
  • Antibiotics: Substances that kill or inhibit bacterial growth.

Local Defence System

  • The body's first line of defense against infection.
  • Includes: Skin, mucous membranes, and cilia.