IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Immunity in newborn babies is only temporary and starts to decrease after the first few weeks or months. Breast milk also contains antibodies, which means that babies who are breastfed have passive immunity for longer.

Detailed explanation-2: -A newborn baby acquires passive immunity from its mother through the placenta.

Detailed explanation-3: -Babies make their own antibodies. Each time they get infected with a virus or other germ, their immune system starts to work. They make new antibodies that will protect them now and in the future. But immunity in a baby is not as strong as in adults.

Detailed explanation-4: -Two types of immunity exist-active and passive: Active immunity occurs when our own immune system is responsible for protecting us from a pathogen. Passive immunity occurs when we are protected from a pathogen by immunity gained from someone else.

Detailed explanation-5: -On the bright side, the mother’s immune system does continue to protect her infant with antibodies that were shared through the placenta immediately after birth. “Those antibodies stay active for the first few weeks of a baby’s life, ‘’ Dr. Sabella says. This offers some protection from bacteria and viruses.

Detailed explanation-6: -For example, passive immunity occurs when a baby receives a mother’s antibodies through the placenta or breast milk. It can also occur when a person receives an injection of antibodies to protect against the effects of a toxin such as snake venom.