How does the immune system work?
According to the website, the first line of defence against infections is your body’s skin and mucous membranes.
It explains: “If pathogens manage to get through these barriers, they encounter special white blood cells present in your bloodstream.
“There are different types of white cells, called neutrophils (polymorphs), lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils.
“White blood cells travel in your bloodstream and react to different types of infection.
“These might be caused by bacteria, viruses or other pathogens.
“Neutrophils engulf bacteria and destroy them with special chemicals.
“Eosinophils and monocytes also work by swallowing up foreign particles in your body. Basophils help to intensify swelling (inflammation).
“Inflammation is part of your body’s immune response.
“Damage to your tissues causes the release of different chemicals into your blood.
“These chemicals make blood vessels leaky, helping specialised white blood cells get to where they are needed.
They also attract neutrophils and monocytes to the site of the injury.
“This helps to protect against a bacterial infection developing.”