How does your immune system work? - Emma Bryce?

Your immune system is like a superhero team that protects you from tiny invaders called germs.

Imagine your body is a castle, and every time you get sick, it's like a group of sneaky little pirates trying to sneak in and steal the treasure. The immune system is like the guards of the castle, they're always on watch and ready to fight back when the pirates come.

How the Immune System Fights Back

When a germ gets into your body, it's like a pirate climbing over the wall. Special soldiers called white blood cells rush in to attack them. Some white blood cells are like the sword fighters, they directly battle the germs. Others are like the spies, they send messages to call for more help.

If the pirates keep coming, your body might even remember them so next time they try to sneak in, it can fight back faster. That's why you don't get sick as much when you're older, your immune system has learned who the pirates are!

Sometimes, after a big battle, you feel tired or have a fever, that’s just your body working hard to keep you safe!

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A child gets sick after playing in the mud, and their immune system fights off the germs.
  2. Your body uses soldiers to protect you from invaders like viruses and bacteria.
  3. When you get a cold, your immune system is working hard to make you better.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity