Thread by @FoolzWizdom

#Immunity in simple terms:
1. Innate immunity
Physical barriers = shuts door on intruder
Non specific defences =kills any intruder soon after entry
2. Acquired immunity
Learn to kill a specific foe = system has to learn to identify and tailor make antibodies, needs time

Physical barriers = stickiness of nasal passage, the slime, intactness of skin etc : Tries to see if the doors can remain shut
(Now if you are clever you erect further barriers you #MaskUp)

Non-specific immunity = kills 'any' intruder, starts straight away: system we share with plants /animals
Foreign protein sighted->
Chemical cascade-> kill, recruit killer cells, signal virus infected cells to rapidly kill themselves!
+send signals to next line of defence

Acquired immunity = System learns about this specific foe: Takes time
Bits of pathogen submitted to a pool of learners, who tailor make 'antibody' missiles.
Very specific + creates a memory of the foe.
Next time around same intruder, swift action (This is what vaccines do too)

System can misfire, over react, cause harm (unintentionally) eg.,
Cytokine surge (chemicals that kill and recruit) can cause multiple organs (lungs, blood vessels etc) to swell up/malfunction
Non-neutralizing antibodies - shooting in the dark, wrong targets (host cells)

Lastly, #Immuneboosters are a myth
People have weakened immunity (Chronic lung conditions, diabetes, inherited disorders, cancer meds, recent severe infections, extremes of age)
If you are an otherwise healthy individual popping pills and potions = No use #MaskUP and #KeepAway

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