Science Common Sense

949 - How does the body fight off viruses and bacteria?

Imagine your body is a castle with a powerful defense system. Here's how it fights off viruses and bacteria:

1. Castle walls: Your skin and mucus act as barriers to keep germs out.
2. Army: White blood cells, like special soldiers, patrol your body and attack germs that get in.
3. Warning system: When germs enter, your immune system sends out alarm signals that trigger the army to respond.
4. Superpower: Your body can remember certain germs, so the next time they come, your army is ready and can fight them off faster.

Types of white blood cells:

• Neutrophils: eat up bacteria
• Lymphocytes: remember and attack viruses and bacteria
• Macrophages: swallow and digest germs

Your body also has a powerful helper – antibodies. These are special chemicals that stick to germs and help the army fight them off.

So, your body's defense system works hard to keep you healthy and strong!