Immunology is the study of the body system that provides defense against foreign substances, disease, and deviant cell functions. Immunology deals with the physiological functions of the immune system in both healthy bodies and in disease conditions. Immune system malfunctions result in disorders such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, immune deficiency, and graft rejection. An autoimmune disease is any disease caused by the immune system attacking a part of one’s own body. They have a much higher frequency among women.1 2 3 4 5
Immunization is the process of exposing an individual to an inactivated virus in order to strengthen the person’s immune system against the disease. Vaccination is the process of exposing an individual to a weakened virus in order to strengthen the person’s immune system against the disease. Once the immune system has been exposed to a disease, in a controlled way, it can quickly respond and fight off later instances of that disease. Immunization is a very important way to protect against serious diseases. Unfortunately only 74.8% of children age 19-35 months have received the recommended immunizations, and Arizona ranks 46th in the US.6 Some parents worry about immunizations making their children sick. However, a child’s chances of being harmed by the disease the immunization works to prevent is far greater than the chances of being harmed by the immunization itself. Immunizations are one of the best ways parents can protect their children from serious diseases.7 8
In addition to the links listed below, websites dealing with other immunologic conditions are included on our AIDS, Allergies / Asthma, and Arthritis Focus Pages.
