A client who was exposed to hepatitis A at a local restaurant has recovered from the disease. At her annual physical, the client asks the health care provider if she should go to her health department and get the hepatitis A "shot."

Question

The best response, based on the concepts of adaptive immunity, by the health care provider would be:
A) "Yes, because you could get a worse case the next time you are exposed."
B) "Of course. The virus changes every year."
C) "I wouldn't since the vaccine can damage your liver."
D) "No, since having an active case, you have already developed antigens against hepatitis A."

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
The adaptive immune system consists of two groups of lymphocytes and their products, including antibodies. Whereas the cells of the innate immune system recognize structures shared by classes of microorganisms, the cells of the adaptive immune system are capable of recognizing numerous microbial and noninfectious substances and developing a unique specific immune response for each substance. Substances that elicit adaptive immune responses are called antigens. A memory of the substance is also developed so that a repeat exposure to the same microbe or agent produces a quicker and more vigorous response. The hepatitis A virus does not change from year to year. The vaccine does not damage the liver; however, the active hepatitis A disease can.