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What is Immunology?

Jane Harmon
Jane Harmon

Immunology is both the study of the human immune system and the field of medicine that treats diseases of the immune system. Immunity is the body's ability to resist a disease, and the immune system is a bodywide network of interacting systems: bone marrow, white blood cells, the entire lymph system and even the skin. Immunology dates back to ancient civilizations, as it has long been known that certain individuals are naturally immune to some diseases, and that survivors of certain diseases are immune to the disease they survived. Since the immune system is so broad, encompassing everything from blood cells to skin, immunology is a very broad field of study. The treatment of disorders as simple as common allergies and as complex as AIDS all fall under the immunology category.

Flu shots are an example of immunology in action. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) makes a highly educated guess at which, out of a large number of flu bugs, are likely to be in circulation in the coming year, and formulates the 'flu shot'. Everyone, particularly those with weakened immune systems, is encouraged to get their flu shot, which causes the body to produce its own antibodies to repel those particular flus. If the WHO guesses wrong, and we are invaded by flus for which we have not received artificially induced immunities, a lot of people will come down with the flu.

Vaccines are a form of immunology.
Vaccines are a form of immunology.

Arthritis and asthma are diseases of the immune system caused by the body's hypersensitivity to certain substances. Most of the disorders addressed by immunology are those in which the body's own immune system isn't sufficient to ward off disease, and the immune system must be supplemented with external assistance. One of the most intractable of immunology's problems today is a disease that attacks the immune system itself, AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot annually.
Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot annually.

AIDS leaves the body susceptible to infections that a healthy patient would easily combat with his or her own antibodies. Since the immune system protects the entire body, AIDS leaves the entire body vulnerable and opportunistic infections can attack multiple body organs, severely weakening the patient. A variety of drug therapies today can strengthen the immune system and prolong the life of the AIDS patient, but there is currently no cure.

Discussion Comments

Esther11

We are all born with good immunity to some conditions or illnesses. And, some don't have much immunity to others. Some kids just have one earache after another or asthma, while others don't.

As people age, their immune system slowly breaks down and they can't defend themselves against a lot of illnesses. Flu shots, shingles shots, and pneumonia shots are a good idea.

If we use our common sense, we can help our immune system stay strong by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising,avoiding stress, and staying mentally alert.

Bertie68

AIDS is a very sad disease. It just opens the whole body up to many illnesses. There is one group of humans who have AIDS who got it in a very heart breaking way. Very young girls who were victims of human trafficking in S.E. Asia and other third world countries were sent to a brothel, where they got AIDS.

Besides being intimidated, tortured, and having their innocence taken away, they now have AIDS, which has no cure. Such cruelty to be put upon our children.

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    • Vaccines are a form of immunology.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Vaccines are a form of immunology.
    • Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot annually.
      By: robyelo357
      Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot annually.
    • The flu shot is a product of immunology.
      By: Fernando Madeira
      The flu shot is a product of immunology.
    • Immunology is the study of different methods to prevent common health issues.
      By: volodina
      Immunology is the study of different methods to prevent common health issues.
    • Herbal teas might be used to boost a person's immune system.
      By: AntonioBattista Am2
      Herbal teas might be used to boost a person's immune system.
    • Because flu viruses mutate rapidly, medical researchers must develop new immunizations each year.
      By: Syda Productions
      Because flu viruses mutate rapidly, medical researchers must develop new immunizations each year.
    • Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest may help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
      By: vgstudio
      Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest may help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
    • Asthma is an immune system disease that is caused by the body's hypersensitivity to certain substances.
      By: dragon_fang
      Asthma is an immune system disease that is caused by the body's hypersensitivity to certain substances.