Our protection against disease is our immune system. The immune system is comprised of white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow.
Another way to describe the immune system is that Humoral immunity secretes antibodies to fight against disease antigens. Antibodies are proteins that specifically recognize invading pathogens and bind (stick) to them. Here viruses can be removed from the body by antibodies before they get the chance to infect a cell.
Whereas cell-mediated immunity cytokines (and no antibodies) are secreted to attack the disease pathogen. Natural Killer T cells are another form of cellular immunity.
You’ve guessed it – the immune system is a complex and sophisticated beast!
The thing is, if one part of your system is down, the rest will be affected. So even though the part may not be directly related to killing viral infections, it will affect the other branches of the system.
This is in the same way as having a heart or lung disease, or imperfect blood sugar control, makes you more vulnerable to infection.
Unlike your car, the human body cannot be isolated into different parts -they all have knock on effects.
The medical with Dr Jamieson will ascertain if you are at increased risk because of personal, environmental or family history.
It will involve physical check (lymphatic system and other systems); urine and blood testing for:
- Any medical disorders putting you in the higher risk group for coronavirus infection
- Your humoral and cell medicated immune system