The Immune System

Your immune system is very important to us!

Without your immune system, you would be SICK all of the

time!

The immune system defends our body

againstINFECTION

What can cause an infection?

The organisms that cause infection are called

Pathogens

There are many types of pathogens. Let’s take a look at them!

Bacteria

We find bacteria lots of places!

Here are some diseases and illnesses caused by

bacteria.Ear infectionsStrep throatFood poisoning

Lyme disease

A virus is a non-living particle that invades a living cell.Viruses are like little aliens that invade

and takeover living things!

Viruses

Here are some diseases and illnesses caused by viruses.

The flu and colds

Chicken pox

Hepatitis

AIDS

The fungi we are talking about is a germ that lives on our skin.

Usually it does not harm us, but sometimes it can cause a

FUNGAL INFECTION

Fungus

Here are some diseases and illnesses caused by fungus.

Ringworm

Athlete’s Foot

Nail Fungus

ProtistsProtists can be small organisms that can cause

serious illnesses.

Here are some diseases and illnesses caused by protists.

Malaria

African Sleeping SicknessAmebic dysentery

How do these pathogens

spread?

Infected People

Physically coming into contact with an infected person can

spread certain illnesses.

Coming into contact with droplets released through coughing and sneezing can also

spread certain illnesses.

Soil, Food and

Water

Consuming contaminated food and water can cause lots of illnesses.

Salmonella bacteria found in raw eggs and chicken can cause food

poisoning.

Contaminated Objects

Some illnesses can be spread through contact with

dried body fluids on a surface.

For example, let’s say a friend with a cold virus sneezes into their hands.

Then they continue to write with their pencil.

The droplets from the sneeze in their hands has now been spread onto the

pencil.You ask to borrow the pencil. The sneeze droplets are now on your hands from the

pencil.You touch your mouth, nose or eyes. The pathogen has entered your body!

Infected Animals

Mosquitoes can carry

the West Nile virus and

malaria.

Mammals like

raccoons can carry

the rabies virus.

Some illnesses can be transmitted from an infected animal to a person.

Ticks can carry Lyme

disease.

Feeling Scared?

Your IMMUNE SYSTEM does a really great job at protecting you!

DON’T BE!

Your immune system has several lines of

against these pathogens!

Skin

The oil and sweat in our skin can kill many pathogens. Also,

pathogens have a difficult time finding their way

through our skin!

Mucus

The slimy mucus found in your nose and respiratory

system can trap pathogens that you breathe in.

Coughing and sneezing gets these pathogens out before they can cause an infection!

Stomach Acids

The acid in our stomach, that helps to digest food, can actually kill bacteria

found on our food!

But what happens when those lines of defense fail

and the pathogen gets into our blood?

White Blood Cells

Come to the rescue!

White blood cells are special disease fighting cells.

Some white blood cells even disable pathogens by eating

them!

Other white blood cells will remember what it took to kill a

pathogen. That way, if the pathogen should invade again, the white blood cells can kill it off

without you even knowing it!

Spleen

Your spleen is an organ found on your left side between your stomach and diaphragm.

It has two jobs: to recycle red blood cells and to filter bacteria from our blood!

Your immune system can be

HELPED!

Antibiotics

If a bacteria invades your body and you get sick, antibiotics can kill the bacteria!

Antibiotics will ONLY help infections caused by bacteria!

So if you have the flu or a cold, antibiotics will NOT help you!

VACCINATIONS

ALL of you have had vaccinations before, but you know them better as

SHOTS!OUCH!

How do vaccinations work?When you get a shot, you are injected

with a dead or weakened form of the virus. Your body starts to attack this invader and quickly learns how

to win the battle.

If you ever come into contact with the same virus again, your body

will remember how to beat it and win!

You will NEVER get sick from the same

virus twice.

Vaccinations build your IMMUNITY!

What can you do to also help out your immune

system

1. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!

2. Avoid contact with infected individuals-

people and animals!

3. Get your vaccinations or shots!

4. Cook foods until they are well done!

5. Avoid touching “dirty” objects!

6. Keep yourself physically fit!

Watch how easily germs can spread!

Thanks to our immune system, our bodies can stay

as healthy as possible!