Becoming exposed to or infected with an infectious microbe does not necessarily mean developing noticeable disease. Explain.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Exposure and Infection**:
- When we talk about exposure to infectious microbes, it refers to coming into contact with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection occurs when these microbes enter our body and begin to multiply.

2. **Role of the Immune System**:
- The immune system is our body's defense mechanism against infections. It consists of various cells and proteins that work together to identify and eliminate pathogens.

3. **Strong Immune Response**:
- A strong immune system can effectively combat pathogens. It has specialized cells, such as white blood cells and antibodies, that are designed to recognize and destroy harmful microbes.

4. **Activation of Immune Cells**:
- Upon exposure to a pathogen, the immune system activates these specialized cells. For instance, antibodies are produced that specifically target the invading microbes.

5. **Elimination of Pathogens**:
- If the immune system successfully eliminates the pathogen before it can multiply significantly, the individual may not exhibit any symptoms of disease. This means that even though the person was exposed to the microbe, they do not develop noticeable illness.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, becoming exposed to or infected with an infectious microbe does not necessarily lead to disease because a competent immune system can prevent the development of symptoms by effectively fighting off the infection.