Immune system Part 2

[gmohan]

It’s Got Agents Standing By
Other than your nervous system, your immune system is the most complex system in your body. It’s made up of tissues, cells, and organs, including:

Your tonsils
Your digestive system
Your bone marrow
Your skin
Your lymph nodes
Your spleen
Thin skin on the inside of your nose, throat, and genitals
All of these help create or store cells that work around the clock to keep your whole body healthy.

A fever can help your immune system fight infections in two ways. A higher temperature in the body speeds up how cells work, including the ones that fight illness. They can respond to invading germs faster. Also, higher body temperatures make it harder for bacteria and viruses to thrive in your body.

It Learns From Your Past
You’re born with a certain level of protection, or “immunity.” But it can get better
Think of a baby or young child who comes down with colds, earaches, or other everyday illnesses often and babies who are breasted continue to get antibodies from their mother while they are making their own.. Their immune system is creating a "bank" of antibodies as they are exposed to illnesses for the first time, enabling them to fight off future invaders.

Vaccines work in much the same way. They turn on your immune system by introducing your body to a tiny amount of a virus (usually a killed or weakened one). Your body makes antibodies in response that protects against threats like measles, whooping cough, flu, or meningitis. Then, when you come in contact with that virus in your everyday life, your immune system is already primed to kick in so that you don’t get sick.

It Can Change Over Time
Your immune system can become less effective as you get older. That can make you more likely to get sick or get infections. You are also more susceptible to infections as you age or if you have a weakened immune system. And those infections, especially flu and pneumonia, are more likely to be fatal than in younger people.

Why it happens isn't clear. It may be about your immune system slowing down. Or it could be partly linked to nutrition, since seniors often eat less and don't always get the nutrients they need to keep their immune systems strong. So eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They're good for you at any age.

G Mohan