2. NON - SPECIFIC IMMUNITY

This immunity applies to the physical resistance provided by protective covering e.g. the skin, mucous membranes. Also certain secretions have antimicrobial action like mucus, tears and gastric secretions. Also the action of microphages and other cells as well as some non-specific serological factors may resist some infective agents.

FACTORS AFFECTING INDIVIDUAL’S RESISTANCE TO DISEASES/INFECTIONS

1. AGE

Studies have shown that certain pediatric diseases such as measles, Pertussis and neonatal tetanus amongst others are more common in childhood. In contrast to other diseases such as rectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and scrotal hernia are predominant in adulthood. It is pertinent therefore to note that any effort aimed at eradicating or controlling such diseases must take into cognizance the age factor at which such diseases show high preponderance.

2. SEX

It is worthy to mention that sex is a determinant factor in disease incidence among males and females. Certain infections show marked difference in their sex incidence. Example, scrotal hernia can only be suffered by males while ovarian cysts can only be suffered by their female counterparts.

3. PREGNANCY

It is a fact that immunity is lower during pregnancy and this increases the risk of microbial infection especially in poorly nourished mothers.

During pregnancy, increase in the prevalence and intensity f falciparum malaria may lead to abortion or still birth.

4. NUTRITION

Adequate nutrition is very important to human survival. Cases of malnourished children who have died due to attacks of preventable diseases abound. This is so because a child that is not adequately fed with proper diet will lack resistance to infection.

Emphasis will be laid on adequate nutrition because what we eat determines to a great extent our body resistance to infections.

5. TRAUMA AND FATIQUE

Stress in form of trauma may predispose individuals to infections. One classical example is the effect of trauma and fatigue on poliomyelitis.

6. STRESS

Stressful conditions make the whole body become unable to resist infections. All forms of stresses must be avoided in order to prevent diseases associated with them.

7. DRUG ABUSE

Medical evidence shows that drug abuse is responsible for vitamin depletion in the human body which in turn affects the body resistance to infection.

8. EXISTING DISEASES

Many diseases bacterial, viral or parasitic in origin affects immunity leading from reduced protection to other diseases. Some of this diseases are inherited while others are chronic infections like malignant diseases, disorders of metabolic or hormone imbalance, diabetes mellitus have increase susceptibility to infections of vagina, skin and urinary tract infections