Coronavirus: What Happens Get

When you get infected with the coronavirus, your immune system kicks into action to fight off the infection. The first line of defense is your innate immune response, which includes physical barriers like your skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells. These cells can recognize and attack foreign invaders, but they may not be able to completely clear the infection.

If the virus evades the innate immune response, it can enter your cells and begin to replicate. At this point, your adaptive immune response kicks in. This involves the production of antibodies, which are proteins that can specifically target and neutralize the virus. Antibodies are produced by B cells, a type of white blood cell.

In addition to antibodies, the adaptive immune response also involves the activation of T cells. T cells can recognize and kill virus-infected cells, as well as help B cells produce antibodies.

The time it takes for the immune response to clear the infection can vary from person to person. In some cases, people may experience only mild symptoms or even be asymptomatic. In other cases, the infection can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

There are a number of factors that can affect the severity of COVID-19, including age, overall health, and underlying medical conditions. People who are older, have chronic health conditions, or are immunocompromised are at higher risk of developing severe illness.

Currently, there are several vaccines available that can help to protect people from getting infected with the coronavirus. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. This can help to prevent the virus from entering cells and replicating, reducing the risk of developing severe illness.

If you think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, it is important to get tested and to isolate yourself from others until you receive your test results. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are at higher risk of developing severe illness.