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# AIDS TO HEALTH ## In the Chapter - **Syllabus**: Aids to health: Active and passive immunity. - **Meaning** of active and passive immunity. - **Understanding** of the use and action of the following: vaccination, immunization, antitoxin, serum, antiseptics, disinfectants and antibiotics - **An id...

# AIDS TO HEALTH ## In the Chapter - **Syllabus**: Aids to health: Active and passive immunity. - **Meaning** of active and passive immunity. - **Understanding** of the use and action of the following: vaccination, immunization, antitoxin, serum, antiseptics, disinfectants and antibiotics - **An idea** of the local defense system and its merits - **Difference** between antiseptics and disinfectants To be healthy, we need **personal care** as well as **community involvement.** This chapter is intended to familiarise you with various (natural and artificial) ways of protecting yourself from diseases. ## 17.1 NEED TO KEEP HEALTHY Every individual wishes to be healthy and disease-free. This requires several things, some at the personal level and some at the community level. - **At the personal level**, one has to keep his body clean by washing, bathing, brushing teeth, regular physical exercise, proper diet and proper rest and sleep. - **At community level,** our surroundings should be kept clean with no accumulation of garbage or stagnant water, etc., so that the disease-spreading insects and pests do not thrive. ## WORLD HEALTH DAY - APRIL 7 This day is celebrated to create consciousness about keeping oneself healthy and to disseminate the message at all levels. ## 17.2 IMMUNITY **Immunity** means body's defense against diseases. Our body is invaded by various harmful substances like pollutants (poisonous chemicals) and germs all the time. They may enter our body in the following four ways: 1. Directly through the skin. 2. Through mucous membranes of eyes, nose, urinary or genital tracts. 3. Through food or water intake. 4. Through the air we breathe in. Our body first tends to prevent the entry of pollutants and germs into the body. Secondly, if somehow they do enter, the body fights with them, so that they cause no harm (rendered harmless). The defence system in our body works at two levels: ### A. Local Defence System (Prevention of entry of germs) This is a kind of barrier system which tackles the germs at their possible entry points. It includes: 1. Protective mechanical barriers 2. Thrown out, if entered 3. Germ-killing secretions 4. Germ-fighting WBCs ### B. Immune System It deals with the germs after they have entered into the body tissues. ## 17.2.1 Local Defence ### 1. Protective mechanism The skin, hair, mucus membranes are the first line of protection of the local defence system. - **Skin** - Skin has an outer horny layer made of a protein called keratin. This layer is impermeable to most germs and pollutants. There are lots of pores on the surface of the skin from where entry of germs into the air or through contaminated objects, like a kiss on the cheeks can take place from one individual to another. Sweat and water removes some germs. A cut in the skin or wound allows germs in. Should there be any injury, the clotting of blood helps to seal the damaged vessels at the wound site. - **Hairs** - Hairs in our nose, ears, etc. grow inwards or upwards so that dust particles in the nostrils trap dust. - **Mucus** - Mucus is continuously secreted from the epithelial lining of the respiratory, genital and digestive tracts. For example, mucus in the nasal passages traps bacteria and other small particles from entering into the body, they are then thrown out of the body along with the mucus. ### 2. Thrown Out, if entered Coughing, sneezing, vomiting are the common methods to throw out the harmful (foreign) unwanted objects. Likewise, vomiting after an infection (peristaltic movement of the alimentary canal and digestive tracts causing ejection by motions) helps to get rid of toxic substances. ### 3. Germ-killing Secretions - **(i) Saliva, Tears and Nasal Secretion** - They contain germ-killing substances. - **(ii) Hydrochloric Acid** in the stomach kills germs ### 4. Germ-fighting WBCs Should any germ manage to enter the blood stream and other body tissues, **WBCs** (White Blood Cells, or **Leukocytes**) attack and destroy the germs. There are different types of WBCs each specializing in different ways to destroy the germs in our system. - **Neutrophils** are phagocytes that engulf bacteria and microorganisms. - **Macrophages** are phagocytes that engulf bacteria and microorganisms. They also present antigens to T cells. - **Lymphocytes** are a type of white blood cell responsible for the adaptive immune response. They include T cells and B cells. - **T cells** are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. - **B cells** are responsible for antibody-mediated immunity. ## 17.3 Active and Passive Immunity **Active immunity** develops in the body when it comes into contact with germs and itself produces antibodies to fight them off. This can occur through: - **Natural Active Immunity:** A person comes into contact with a germ for the first time and becomes ill because their body has no antibodies to fight it. After this initial encounter, the body builds up antibodies and in the future, the person will have immunity to the germ. - **Artificial Active Immunity:** When a person is injected with live attenuated or killed germs or their products, the body responds by developing its own antibodies. This is known as **vaccination**. Examples of vaccines include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). **Passive Immunity** is a temporary form of immunity that develops when a person receives antibodies from another source. This can occur through: - **Natural Passive Immunity:** This is a type of immunity that is transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. The baby is born with antibodies from the mother which help to protect them during the first few months of life. - **Artificial Passive Immunity:** When a person is injected with antibodies from another source, such as an animal, it is called artificial passive immunity. Examples of artificial passive immunity include antibodies against tetanus, rabies, and botulism. ## 17.4 Vaccination **Vaccination** is a process of introducing a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen into the body. The body recognizes this as a foreign invader and mounts an immune response, producing antibodies. The antibodies will then protect the individual from future infection. ### Types of Vaccines There are different types of vaccines, including: - **Live attenuated vaccines**. These vaccines use a weakened version of the virus or bacteria, which can still replicate but not cause disease. These are usually single dose vaccines and provide long-lasting immunity. Examples include vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and chickenpox. - **Inactivated vaccines**. These vaccines use a killed version of the virus or bacteria. While these vaccines do not provide lifelong immunity, they are generally considered safe and effective. Examples include vaccines against polio, flu, and rabies. - **Toxoid vaccines**. These vaccines contain a harmless version of the toxin produced by a bacteria. They train the body to recognize the toxin and produce antibodies. Examples include vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria. - **Subunit vaccines**. These vaccines contain only a specific part of the pathogen, such as a protein or sugar. This can be safer than using the entire pathogen. Examples include vaccines against pertussis and hepatitis B. ## 17.5 Immunization **Immunization** is the process of making a person immune to a disease through vaccination or the administration of other agents that stimulate the immune system. Immunization helps to prevent illnesses and protect individuals from disease. ## 17.6 Antiseptics and Disinfectants **Antiseptics** are chemicals that destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue. Antiseptics are used to clean wounds, prevent infections and sterilize surgical instruments. **Disinfectants** are chemicals that destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on inanimate objects. Disinfectants are used to sanitize surfaces such as countertops, floors, and toilets. **Table 1** | Category | Definition | Uses | Examples | |---|---|---|---| | Antiseptic | Chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue. | To clean wounds, prevent infections, and sterilize surgical instruments. | Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine | | Disinfectant | Chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on inanimate objects. | To sanitize surfaces such as countertops, floors, and toilets. | Bleach, Lysol, quaternary ammonium compounds | | Antibiotic | Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria in the body. | To treat bacterial infections | Penicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline | ## 17.7 Antibiotics **Antibiotics** are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. It is important to complete the full course of an antibiotic as directed by a doctor. ## 17.8 Importance of Maintaining Hygiene Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. It also plays a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being. It is important to practice good hygiene habits, especially: - **Washing your hands** frequently with soap and water, particularly before eating, after using the restroom, and after handling raw meat. - **Brushing your teeth** twice a day and flossing once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease. - **Taking a shower or bath daily**. - **Washing your hair** regularly. - **Covering your mouth and nose** when you cough or sneeze. - **Cleaning your home regularly**, especially surfaces that come into contact with food. - **Avoiding sharing personal items** such as toothbrushes, razors, and towels. ## 17.9 Community Involvement **Community involvement** is an important aspect of maintaining public health. By working together, communities can create a healthier environment. Here are some ways that individuals can contribute to community health: - **Supporting local health organizations** - **Participating in health fairs and community events** - **Advocating for health policies** - **Volunteering to provide health services to those in need** ## 17.10 Summary Aids to health involve both personal care and community involvement. Personal hygiene practices such as hand washing and brushing teeth are essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The immune system protects us naturally from disease with the help of the local defence system and the immune system. Vaccination and immunization are key to preventing diseases and protecting individuals from illness. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while antiseptics and disinfectants are used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. By taking preventative measures and practicing good hygiene, we can all contribute to a healthier community.