What is Immunity?
Before we describe immunity, let us first understand – What is the immune system? How does it work? The defense mechanism of the body to fight against any foreign body and infection is the immune system. It helps the body to stay healthy. Immunity renders the body the ability to be unaffected by disease-causing foreign bodies called pathogens if they enter the body.
The next question that you are most likely to ask is- how one can check their immunity power? The answer is an immune check-up that includes blood tests to check the parameters which depict a weak immune system. If you are still wondering how to test the immune system strength, you can visit the Agilus Diagnostics website and check the covered tests.
Types of Immunity
There are two immunity types: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The natural immunity that we all are born with is what we refer to as innate immunity. On the other hand, the immunity that we develop over time with vaccines or other external sources is called adaptive immunity. Let us discuss these types in detail:
1. Innate Immunity
Innate immunity is the first line of defense in the body and includes different cells, organs, and proteins. Skin is the organ that prevents pathogens from entering our bodies despite living with them. However, some pathogens make their way into the body through air, food, and water. The cells that attack the antigens as soon as they enter the body include phagocytes, natural killers, mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils.
2. Adaptive Immunity
On the other hand, adaptive immunity is temporary and specific. Active immunity and passive immunity are the two types of adaptive immunity. When the immune system itself attacks the pathogen with external help such as vaccination, it is active immunity. However, immunity gained from an external source is referred to as passive immunity. For example, immunity gained by a child from the mother's milk.
Importance of building immunity
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, people who have recovered from Coronavirus were those with strong immunity and healthy respiratory systems. Doctors are, therefore, insisting on maintaining and building strong immunity to stay safe from the virus. Vitamin and mineral-rich diet, regular exercise, daily meditation, and proper sleep are some of the most effective ways to develop immunity power and fight the viruses.
Also Read – The Basics of the Immune System: How It Works and Why It's Important
How to build immunity during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
With Coronavirus taking humanity by storm since 2019, doctors advise people on – how to develop immunity strength against COVID-19. Strong immunity is the only way to fight against the pandemic until scientists and biologists develop any vaccination for it. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and food rich in vitamin C and antioxidants are some of the immunity booster foods for Coronavirus. Including them in your daily diet will help you maintain strong immunity.
Lab tests and cost in India
While everyone deals with the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways at different levels, immunity tests have become essential. Many labs have created an immunity test package to test your immunity, including an immunity test for COVID. Agilus Diagnostics is one of India's most renowned pathology labs to provide an immunity test package with the facility of receiving your immunity test reports online. You can even book an immunity test online as the lab also offers home collection facility by trained phlebotomists who take necessary precautions that include- sanitization and social distancing. The immunity test cost in India varies depending upon the package and its components.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
