Immunity

Entity Logo

Immunity refers to the immune system's way of protecting the body against an infectious disease. 

Immunity can be innate, adaptive, or passive. 

Innate immunity refers to barriers which prevent harmful substances entering the body - think skin, mucous or nostril hairs. Facemasks would be an artificial version of this.

Adaptive immunity refers to the response after an infection has actually occurred, whether a 'real' one, or via a vaccination. 

Passive immunity is when a person receives antibodies to a disease, instead of making them themselves in their immune system. Passive immunity usually lasts only a few weeks or months. 

You can keep up to date with the latest health news by subscribing to our Health Newsletter.