Active immunity is a type of immunity that occurs when the body produces its own antibodies in response to a disease-causing agent such as a virus or bacteria. It can be induced through vaccination or through natural exposure to an infectious agent. The main advantage of active immunity is that it provides long-term protection against the disease-causing agent.
Active immunity is specific to the disease-causing agent, meaning that the body produces specific antibodies that can recognize and fight off that particular pathogen. This provides superior protection against the disease compared to passive immunity, which only provides temporary protection from the disease and can be overwhelmed by large amounts of the pathogen. As a result, active immunity is more effective at preventing and treating diseases.
Another advantage of active immunity is that it is often long-lasting. Once the body produces antibodies against a particular pathogen, these antibodies can remain in the body for a long period of time. This means that the body is prepared to fight off the pathogen if it is encountered again in the future. This is in contrast to passive immunity, which is short-lived and needs to be replenished regularly.
Finally, active immunity is cost effective. Vaccines, which are the most common way of inducing active immunity, are relatively inexpensive and widely available. This makes them an attractive option for preventing and treating diseases, especially in developing countries where resources may be limited.
In summary, the advantages of active immunity include specificity, long-term protection, and cost effectiveness. These advantages make active immunity a valuable tool for preventing and treating infectious diseases.
