Viruses are causative agents of infectious diseases. These tiny particles try to penetrate the living cells of our body and begin to multiply. The human immune system constantly fights viruses, producing antibodies that kill them and protect the body from the invasion of foreign agents. To destroy them, a person must have strong immunity. This article will examine how the body fights viruses and how it can be helped in this.
What it is?
Each individual in his life more than once encounters viruses that colonize and begin to multiply actively in the body. For several centuries, humanity has been looking for ways to deal with these microscopic particles. Many of them are destroyed, but to completely destroy them means to upset the natural balance of the ecological system. Therefore, scientists are advised to learn how to collaborate with them and to know how the body fights viruses. Scientists have now identified many different viruses. They even learned to create artificially. All of them consist of:
- from genetic material located in the center of the cell;
- capsid - protein coat;
- lipoprotein membrane - it serves to protect the capsid and is found only in large organisms.
The virus is much smaller than bacteria, and passes freely through antibacterial filters. He leads a parasitic lifestyle and moves freely in space.
Human immune system
This is a system consisting of organs and tissues that protect the body from disease. They are located throughout the body and form an adequate response to the invasion of antigens in the body. The immune system includes:
- Bone marrow is one of the important organs that deals with blood formation, producing platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
- The thymus gland (thymus) is not inferior in importance to the bone marrow. In it, T-lymphocytes responsible for the reaction of cellular immunity are produced from bone marrow stem cells.
- The spleen is located in the abdominal cavity, cleanses the blood of old and dead cells.
- The tonsils are located on the back of the nasopharynx and produce lymphocytes.
- The lymphatic system consists of vessels, capillaries and ducts, nourishes cells, supplies metabolic products to the blood, contains lymphocytes that absorb pollution.
- Lymph nodes are located in different parts of the body, produce lymphocytes, and eliminate inflammatory processes.
The main cells of the immune system are white blood cells, of which there are several types, each of them performs its role in protecting the body.
The fight against immunity infection
The immune system has an amazing ability to distinguish body cells from agents invading it. She constantly carries out a genetic analysis of her and others. If a foreign protein does not coincide with the protein of the body's cells, the immune system enters them into antigens and begins to fight them. How does the immune system fight viruses? He focuses all his forces on the destruction of agents. For this, special cells called antibodies are produced. Having defeated the virus, they do not die, but remain in the body, protecting a person from a repeated attack of the same antigen. So, for example, a patient who has had chickenpox once will never be affected again. In addition, interferon is also included in the fight - this is a special protein that is produced at elevated temperatures and kills viral cells.
How do white blood cells fight viruses?
White blood cells, or, as they are called, white blood cells, are actively working to protect the body, providing immunity. All of them are divided into two groups:
- Granulocytes are composed of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils.
- Agranulocytes include lymphocytes and monocytes.
The main functions that white blood cells perform are as follows:
- Lymphocytes are responsible for the production of antibodies. Distinguish between T-lymphocytes, which are the first to detect host cells upon detection of a foreign protein, and B-lymphocytes, which realize the neutralization of foreign particles, producing special biologically active molecules of immunoglobulins.
- Natural killer cells produce specific protein compounds with a toxic substance for foreign cells. In addition, they can recognize and destroy cells infected with the virus.
- Neutrophils have a motor reaction and when agents enter the body, they immediately rush to them and destroy them. As a result, they themselves die.
- Basophils stimulate the muscle and vascular response of the body.
- Eosinophils absorb viruses and bacteria, actively fight with helminths.
- Monocytes are involved in the regulation of blood coagulation, support a protective inflammatory process, and provide a recovery function. They move from the bloodstream to tissues, destroy agents or transfer them to killer cells.
Most immune cells are produced in the bone marrow, with the exception of T-lymphocytes, which are formed in the thymus gland. Protective cells are concentrated in the lymph nodes and areas of the body that are more in contact with the environment (skin and mucous membranes).
The body's fight against infection
Consider how the body fights viruses. When it invades the cell, mass reproduction begins, as a result of which the host cell dies. And out of it multiplied viruses, clothed in a protein coat, and infect neighboring cells. The disease begins to progress. The immune system according to the protein shell determines foreign bodies (antigens), is activated and begins to produce interferon, which prevents the multiplication of the virus. At the same time, the activation of the main cells of the immune system - T- and B-lymphocytes, takes place.
The former destroy, and the latter begin to produce antibodies to the virus. While this process is growing, the body raises its body temperature to restrain the reproduction of viruses. Such a scheme only works if a person has a strong immune system, otherwise the viruses easily penetrate from one cell to another without encountering obstacles.
What are immunoglobulins and what are their functions?
These include special proteins produced by lymphocytes and taking part in the formation of immunity. In the body of a healthy person, five classes of immunoglobulins are formed. They differ in the composition of amino acids, the structure of the structure and the functions performed. Immunoglobulins recognize foreign substances, neutralize them or prevent reproduction and protect a person from reinfection.
Immunoglobulin test
They are found in blood serum. By their number and activity, many diseases are detected. What do immunoglobulins show? When taking a blood test for antibodies determine:
- Does the patient contain viruses or bacteria of a certain type and what is their quantity.
- Can a person’s immune system defeat an infection on their own or is medication needed.
- Stage of the disease and predict the outcome of the disease.
- Oncomarkers with suspected malignant neoplasms.
- Allergy causing antigen.
- Maternal response to the fetus.
The data obtained after a blood test allow the doctor to take measures to prevent a severe course of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.
Effective Fight Against Colds
Colds most often occur in unfavorable times of the year: in late autumn, winter or early spring. During these periods, the body weakens, a lack of vitamins is felt, immunity is reduced and the virus is easily picked up. How to help the body fight the virus? To do this, you need to perform a number of simple steps:
- Stay home for a few days and stay in bed.
- Drink more fluids. Warm drinks relieve a painful condition. A sufficient amount of fluid facilitates the work of the mucous membranes, the release of sputum during coughing and mucus from the nose. Some microorganisms are also washed out. Herbs are added to tea to reduce colds.
- Rinse your nose and gargle with salt water with soda, sea water or saline. Such procedures are often done, and they give a good effect.
- Do not bring the temperature below 38.5 degrees, it helps to destroy the virus.
- Ventilate the room more often, this is a sure way to disinfect.
- If possible, take short walks in the fresh air.
All these simple procedures will help you quickly cope with a cold.
Interferon-based Medicines
This group of drugs includes preparations of human interferon obtained by artificial means. Inexpensive, but effective antiviral drugs of this spectrum of action include:
- "Interferon leukocyte" - is prescribed for viral infections both for prophylaxis and for therapeutic purposes. The release form is ampoules with a white powder with a volume of 2 milliliters. When used, dilute with water and instill in the nose five drops twice a day. For prevention purposes, use while there is a threat of infection. With obvious symptoms of the disease, they are instilled up to five times a day.
- "Grippferon" - is available in the form of a spray and drops, contains human interferon. As a prophylaxis, it is instilled twice a day. Adults are treated with three drops in both nostrils up to six times a day, for children, depending on age.
- "Viferon" - release form: suppositories, gel and ointment. It is convenient to use for young children. The method of use is indicated in the attached instructions.
These drugs are suitable for children, adults and pregnant women.
Immunity enhancing drugs
These drugs increase immunity, relieve spasm, reduce inflammation and stop allergic reactions. The following inexpensive but effective antiviral drugs are very popular from this group:
- "Anaferon" is a homeopathic remedy. The release form is tablets for children and adults, and drops for the smallest. It is used to treat acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and herpes.
- Aflubin is available in tablet and liquid form. Used for children, adults and pregnant women as agreed with the doctor.
- "Arbidol" is made in the form of tablets, capsules and suspensions. Not used for children under two years of age and pregnant.
Any medicine should be taken only after consultation with a doctor.
Ways to normalize immunity
Now you know how the body fights viruses. To defeat the infection, a person must have strong immunity. If suddenly, for some reason, the immune system malfunctions, then the following methods of exposure are applied to put it in order:
- Immunorehabilitation - is carried out after an illness or with a chronic illness. With the help of a number of measures, the body and the immune system returns to the full implementation of its functions, and in case of a chronic disease, to a stable remission.
- Immunostimulation - the use of substances that stimulate the production of immunity. It is advisable to use them in oncology and immunodeficiencies.
- Immunocorrection is done in order to prevent general strengthening of the body during seasonal outbreaks of the common cold and in the postoperative period.
Conclusion
We are all under the body's immune defenses, which work constantly to protect us from hostile agents. She tries to destroy and destroy everything foreign, activating a whole range of means for this. Therefore, if you want to have good health, set a goal - to constantly strengthen the immune system.