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Immunity and infections- Child development GCSE
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10 Dec 2025
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Understanding Immunity and Infections in Child Development - GCSE Notes
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Baby's Natural Immunity
Ever wondered why newborn babies don't get sick immediately after birth? During pregnancy, antibodies travel from mum to baby through the placenta, giving newborns temporary protection against diseases. This natural immunity only includes diseases the mother has already encountered herself.
Breast milk continues this protection after birth, but this immunity is temporary and fades over time. Most of these protective antibodies are passed during the last three months of pregnancy, which explains why premature babies have weaker immune systems and need extra care.
By two months old, babies can start their own vaccination schedule to build their personal immunity. This timing ensures they're protected as their natural immunity from mum begins to wear off.
Did you know? Premature babies are at higher risk of infections because they missed out on crucial antibody transfer in the final pregnancy months!
Childhood Immunisations in the UK
The NHS provides a brilliant free vaccination programme for all children called the routine immunisation schedule. These jabs are quick, safe, and incredibly effective at preventing serious diseases that could otherwise be life-threatening.
Some children can't be vaccinated due to medical reasons, age, or access issues. When most children get vaccinated, it creates community protection that helps shield these vulnerable individuals too.
Parents receive a "red book" - a vital medical record tracking all their child's vaccinations. Keep this safe as you'll need it for school applications and future medical appointments.
The NHS Vaccination Schedule
Your vaccination journey starts at just 8 weeks old with multiple jabs protecting against serious diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Most injections go into your thigh muscles, whilst the rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth.
The schedule continues at 12 weeks and 16 weeks with similar vaccines, then shifts to annual flu vaccinations from age 2-6. At 1 year old, you'll receive the important MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and further boosters.
Booster shots at 3 years 4 months ensure your immunity stays strong as you start school. Each vaccination builds your body's defence system, teaching it to recognise and fight specific diseases.
Top tip: The vaccination schedule timing isn't random - it's carefully planned to protect you when you're most vulnerable to each disease!
Common Childhood Infections
Understanding how infections spread helps you stay healthy. Airborne diseases like measles and mumps travel through tiny droplets when people cough or sneeze. Food poisoning spreads through contaminated food or drinks, whilst some infections like chickenpox spread through direct contact.
Incubation periods - the time between catching a germ and showing symptoms - vary dramatically. Food poisoning can appear within 30 minutes, whilst chickenpox takes 10-14 days to develop.
Recognising symptoms early helps with proper treatment. High fevers, rashes, vomiting, and breathing difficulties often signal serious infections requiring medical attention.
Infection Symptoms and Treatment
Each childhood infection has distinctive warning signs. Measles causes high fever with a characteristic rash and white spots in the mouth. Whooping cough develops from a mild cold into severe coughing fits with a distinctive "whoop" sound.
Gastroenteritis brings vomiting and diarrhoea that can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration, especially in babies. Mumps causes painful jaw swelling that makes eating and drinking difficult.
Most viral infections require supportive care - rest, fluids, and managing symptoms. Bacterial infections like scarlet fever and some cases of tonsillitis need antibiotic treatment from your GP.
Remember: Never ignore persistent high fevers, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration - these always need urgent medical attention.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery times vary, but proper rest and hydration speed up healing for most infections. Steam inhalations help with breathing difficulties, whilst calamine lotion soothes itchy chickenpox spots.
Prevention remains your best defence. Good hygiene, avoiding infected individuals when possible, and keeping up with your vaccination schedule dramatically reduce infection risks. Some infections like chickenpox typically only affect you once, providing lifelong immunity afterwards.
Understanding these common infections helps you recognise when you're unwell and need help, making you a more confident and informed person about your own health.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Immunity and Infections in Child Development - GCSE Notes
Tati
@tatisotheraccount_
Your immune system works like a security force for your body, protecting you from harmful germs and diseases. From birth through childhood, you build immunity through natural processes and vaccinations to stay healthy throughout life.
Baby's Natural Immunity
Ever wondered why newborn babies don't get sick immediately after birth? During pregnancy, antibodies travel from mum to baby through the placenta, giving newborns temporary protection against diseases. This natural immunity only includes diseases the mother has already encountered herself.
Breast milk continues this protection after birth, but this immunity is temporary and fades over time. Most of these protective antibodies are passed during the last three months of pregnancy, which explains why premature babies have weaker immune systems and need extra care.
By two months old, babies can start their own vaccination schedule to build their personal immunity. This timing ensures they're protected as their natural immunity from mum begins to wear off.
Did you know? Premature babies are at higher risk of infections because they missed out on crucial antibody transfer in the final pregnancy months!
Childhood Immunisations in the UK
The NHS provides a brilliant free vaccination programme for all children called the routine immunisation schedule. These jabs are quick, safe, and incredibly effective at preventing serious diseases that could otherwise be life-threatening.
Some children can't be vaccinated due to medical reasons, age, or access issues. When most children get vaccinated, it creates community protection that helps shield these vulnerable individuals too.
Parents receive a "red book" - a vital medical record tracking all their child's vaccinations. Keep this safe as you'll need it for school applications and future medical appointments.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The NHS Vaccination Schedule
Your vaccination journey starts at just 8 weeks old with multiple jabs protecting against serious diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Most injections go into your thigh muscles, whilst the rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth.
The schedule continues at 12 weeks and 16 weeks with similar vaccines, then shifts to annual flu vaccinations from age 2-6. At 1 year old, you'll receive the important MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and further boosters.
Booster shots at 3 years 4 months ensure your immunity stays strong as you start school. Each vaccination builds your body's defence system, teaching it to recognise and fight specific diseases.
Top tip: The vaccination schedule timing isn't random - it's carefully planned to protect you when you're most vulnerable to each disease!
Common Childhood Infections
Understanding how infections spread helps you stay healthy. Airborne diseases like measles and mumps travel through tiny droplets when people cough or sneeze. Food poisoning spreads through contaminated food or drinks, whilst some infections like chickenpox spread through direct contact.
Incubation periods - the time between catching a germ and showing symptoms - vary dramatically. Food poisoning can appear within 30 minutes, whilst chickenpox takes 10-14 days to develop.
Recognising symptoms early helps with proper treatment. High fevers, rashes, vomiting, and breathing difficulties often signal serious infections requiring medical attention.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Infection Symptoms and Treatment
Each childhood infection has distinctive warning signs. Measles causes high fever with a characteristic rash and white spots in the mouth. Whooping cough develops from a mild cold into severe coughing fits with a distinctive "whoop" sound.
Gastroenteritis brings vomiting and diarrhoea that can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration, especially in babies. Mumps causes painful jaw swelling that makes eating and drinking difficult.
Most viral infections require supportive care - rest, fluids, and managing symptoms. Bacterial infections like scarlet fever and some cases of tonsillitis need antibiotic treatment from your GP.
Remember: Never ignore persistent high fevers, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration - these always need urgent medical attention.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery times vary, but proper rest and hydration speed up healing for most infections. Steam inhalations help with breathing difficulties, whilst calamine lotion soothes itchy chickenpox spots.
Prevention remains your best defence. Good hygiene, avoiding infected individuals when possible, and keeping up with your vaccination schedule dramatically reduce infection risks. Some infections like chickenpox typically only affect you once, providing lifelong immunity afterwards.
Understanding these common infections helps you recognise when you're unwell and need help, making you a more confident and informed person about your own health.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Nursing Science
Most popular content in Other
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user