The Role of Immunity

The immune system is a complex group of defense responses that helps repel disease-causing organisms or pathogens.

The immune system is responsible for:

• fighting disease-causing germs like bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, and removing them from the body.
•  recognizing and neutralizing harmful substances from the environment.
• fighting disease-causing changes in the body, such as cancer cells.

Without an immune system, you would constantly get sick from germs, such as bacteria or viruses. In essence, your immune system is the gatekeeper deciding who can stay and who must go.

Infectious Disease is Still a Cause for Concern

In the not so distant past, infectious disease was the leading cause of death. These are conditions that can be transferred from person to person. Now, chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes, which are associated with lifestyle factors, are responsible for morbidity.

However, this doesn't mean we're free from infectious disease. Illnesses such as the common cold, the flu, ear infections, strep throat, and stomach bugs are still prevalent. Fortunately, these conditions aren't as life-threatening as they once were.

We can thank our immune system for that! Learn more about how the immune system works and ways to keep your immune system healthy during The Role of Immunity.