Frequently asked question: What is an immune system?
Everyone's body has an immune system. Your immune system protects you from harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and malignant cells (cancer cells). Your skin and your mucous membranes also provide protection, by preventing pathogens or harmful substances from getting through. However, if your skin is damaged, for example if you have a cut or a wound, this entrance can happen. The bacteria or viruses that enter your body are made harmless by your immune system. A well-functioning immune system ensures good immunity.
To understand how HIV breaks down your immune system, you first need to know how the immune system works. Your immune system protects you from harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and malignant cells (cancer cells). In the first instance, your skin and mucous membranes protect you against these external invaders by preventing pathogens or harmful substances from getting through. But if your skin is damaged and viruses, bacteria or fungi do enter your body, your immune system springs into action to render the invaders harmless. The white blood cells or leukocytes play an important role in this immune response. These immune cells protect you against external invaders and can detect and recognize these foreign substances anywhere in your body – in circulating blood, but also in your skin or your intestines.