When our immune system responds to something that is not an infectious agent, it can cause symptoms of disease unnecessarily. Allergic reactions are associated with this type of immune response. Likewise, sometimes our immune systems overreact, overwhelming our body and often resulting in death.

Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease.

The surface of infected cells changes, and this change is recognized by T cells. Cytotoxic T cells kill infected cells, preventing these cells from producing more pathogen. Thus, our memory cells are rapidly infected and destroyed in the mucus membranes of our tissues.

Nonliving substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) can be antigens. The immune system recognizes and destroys substances that contain these antigens.

White blood cells are the key players in your immune system. They are made in your bone marrow and are part of the lymphatic system. White blood cells move through blood and tissue throughout your body, looking for foreign invaders (microbes) such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

Vaccination (immunization) is a way to trigger the immune response. Small doses of an antigen, such as dead or weakened live viruses, are given to activate immune system “memory” (activated B cells and sensitized T cells). Memory allows your body to react quickly and efficiently to future exposures.

When your child reaches the age of 7 or 8, most of his immune system development is complete. In our practice at Active Health, we believe in a whole body (holistic) approach to health and well being.

Tests used to diagnose an immune disorder include: Blood tests. Blood tests can determine if you have normal levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood and measure the levels of blood cells and immune system cells. Abnormal numbers of certain cells can indicate an immune system defect.

A healthy immune system protects us by first creating a barrier that stops those invaders, or antigens, from entering the body. And if one slips by the barrier, the immune system produces white blood cells, and other chemicals and proteins that attack and destroy these foreign substances.

“An infant’s immune system doesn’t mature until around 2 to 3 months,” Dr. Sabella says. “In those first few months, the immune system — especially cell-mediated immunity — becomes more developed. This is very important in helping a child fight off viruses.”

The brain’s immune system is suppressed during late pregnancy and shortly after giving birth, according to a study in rats. The findings may help clarify causes of increased risk of anxiety and depression in new mothers.

Study suggests the pandemic initially slowed down conception rates but experts anticipate a baby surge this summer. A different type of surge may be on the way more than a year into the pandemic – a baby surge.

Baby boom, in the U.S., the increase in the birth rate between 1946 and 1964; also, the generation born in the U.S. during that period. The hardships and uncertainties of the Great Depression and World War II led many couples to delay marriage and many married couples to delay having children.

1946 – 1964