How does our immune system recognize and fight off infections?

Our immune system is like a superhero team that knows exactly what to do when germs come knocking on our door.

Your body has soldiers called white blood cells, and they’re always ready to fight. When you get sick, it’s because germs, tiny invaders like bacteria or viruses, have entered your body through your nose, mouth, or even a scrape on your knee.

Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek, and your friend hides behind a tree. You can’t see them, but you know they’re there because you hear them breathing. Your white blood cells work like that, they feel when something is wrong, like when germs start multiplying in your body.

Once the soldiers find the germs, they attack! Some of them grab the germs and swallow them whole, while others send out special messages to call more help. These messages tell other parts of the body, like your nose or throat, to create mucus, which helps push the germs out.

After a while, your immune system becomes smarter, it remembers the germs so next time they come around, you won’t feel as sick!