Vaccines are an important tool in the fight against diseases. They’ve been around for over 200 years, and have helped save countless lives. But how do vaccines actually work? In this post, I’ll give you an easy-to-understand guide to how vaccines work.
What are Vaccines?
Vaccines are a way to protect people from diseases. They’re made up of weakened or dead viruses or bacteria that are introduced into the body. When the body is exposed to these weakened or dead germs, it develops immunity to the disease. This means the immune system will react faster and stronger the next time you’re exposed to the germs.
How do Vaccines Work?
When a vaccine is given, it stimulates the immune system to recognize the virus or bacteria as a foreign invader. The immune system creates special B cells that produce antibodies to fight viruses or bacteria. If the person is exposed to the disease later on, their immune system can recognize and fight it off more quickly, preventing them from getting sick or reducing the severity of the symptoms. The immune system has a kind of memory and keeps track of foreign invaders. The B cells aren’t the only warriors in the fight; T cells also help out. In fact, B cells can’t really do their job without the help of the T cells, so it’s a team effort.
But How Do You Get the Vaccine in Your Body?
Ah, good question! Vaccines are typically given by injection, but some can be given orally or nasally. And don’t worry, the needle isn’t as scary as you might think. In fact, it’s usually a lot less painful than getting a splinter. But yes, some vaccines can be more painful than others! The MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) vaccine is notorious for its sting. Others, like the flu vaccine, tend to be less painful and often pain-free.
What Are the Side Effects of Vaccines?
Like with anything, vaccines can cause some side effects. The most common ones are mild, such as a sore arm, fever, or fatigue. It’s also not uncommon for the local lymph nodes to enlarge. These are signs that your immune system is working to create those important antibodies we mentioned earlier. Not to scare you, but let’s keep this talk real, sometimes vaccines trigger a type of autoimmunity called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This isn’t the only thing that can trigger GBS; surgery, trauma, and natural infection can all result in GBS. GBS can be treated and reversed. Whew!
So, that’s how vaccines work in a nutshell. They’re a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from dangerous diseases. So if you’re eligible for a vaccine, get one!
Until next time, stay well!
Dr. Tobi