Hare are Vaccines important in preventing viral diseases?
Vaccines are crucial in preventing viral diseases because they stimulate the immune system to recognize and defend against specific viruses. Here's how vaccines work:
1. Pathogen identification: Scientists identify the virus causing a particular disease and study its structure and behavior.
2. Antigen production: Based on this knowledge, specific viral proteins or weakened/attenuated viruses are used to create the vaccine. These are called antigens.
3. Immune response: When the vaccine is administered, the antigens mimic the virus, triggering the immune system to recognize them as foreign invaders.
4. Antibody production: The immune system starts producing antibodies, which are specialized proteins that bind to and neutralize the antigens/viruses.
5. Memory cells formation: Additionally, the immune system creates memory cells that "remember" the specific antigens. These memory cells remain in the body for a long time.
6. Future protection: If a vaccinated person comes into contact with the actual virus, the immune system recognizes it due to the memory cells. This recognition process is faster and stronger than during the initial exposure to the virus.
7. Immune response activation: The immune system quickly produces antibodies to fight the virus and prevents the disease from developing or reduces its severity.
By effectively activating the immune response beforehand, vaccines help in preventing viral diseases and their associated complications. They also contribute to herd immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.