Serums and vaccines are preparations that aim to protect the body against the attack of invading disease-causing agents (microorganisms or toxic substances), generally called antigens. The process of combating these agents is called immunization, which occurs through substances called antibodies.
Vaccines contain inactivated antigens or attenuated, which act by stimulating the body to produce a specific immune response, according to the invading agent. They stimulate the production of antibodies and these act to combat and eliminate invading microorganisms. So, the vaccine acts as a preventive measure to prevent certain diseases, which is considered active immunization.
Currently there are vaccines against various diseases, which should be taken periodically. Some diseases that are fought with vaccines are: rubella, polio, rabies, measles, etc. To avoid these and other illnesses, be sure to get all the vaccines at the correct times.
Serums are substances that contain antibodies ready to fight a disease, toxins or poisons (from snakes, for example). It is used in cases where the body would not be able to produce specific antibodies in time to fight the invading agent. They act as curative measures, which is considered passive immunization.
Normally, serums are specific for each disease and type of poison or toxin. For its production it is necessary to extract the animal's venom or the toxins for which they want to produce fighting antibodies. After the substance is extracted, it is injected into horses so that they produce the specific antibodies for this venom. When the desired amount of antibodies is produced, blood is drawn from the animal and then the antibodies are extracted.
The serums can be used to treat the bite of poisonous animals or to neutralize toxic substances that cause diseases such as rabies, tetanus and diphtheria.
When bitten by a poisonous animal or come into contact with a toxic substance, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
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