Infectious Diseases in the Immune System

The immune system protects the body from infections and diseases. When it is impaired or does not work properly, the body can get various infectious diseases of the immune system. Some of the ways the viruses are transmitted and some of the more common disease are discussed in this article.

Significance

• The immune system is supposed to protect the body from viruses, infections and fungi that exist outside the body and keep it safe when they invade the bloodstream. It is made up of a system of cells and organs that are designed to protect the body. The organs are known as lymphoid organs that affect the growth development and release of white blood cells. Some of the organs are the adenoids, appendix, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and tonsils. The white blood cells fight infections and are important to the immune system. They search the body for infectious organisms. When the immune system does not work correctly a number of diseases can occur, such as cold, influenza, AIDS, allergies and sensitivity of chemicals used in food and other substances as well as autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes, arthritis and anemia.

Function

• An infectious disease of the immune system is caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. There are different ways the disease is transmitted into the body. Some diseases are transmitted by sexual contact, including intercourse and oral sex. Airborne transmission is caught from something in the air that you inhale when someone sneezes on you, or even that you breathe in. Blood borne transmissions can occur when you receive infected blood through a transfusion or needles from a medical treatment of an illness or even a drug addict who uses contaminated needles to shoot drugs. Direct skin contact with someone with infected skin can transmit a disease. Some diseases are transmitted by a bite from an infected insect, eating food that is contaminated or drinking water that carries bacteria.

Types

• The common cold is one of the most prevalent infectious disease that affects the lining of the nose. Most children and adults have colds in the fall and winter months. It is spread through airborne or skin contact with someone who has the infection. Symptoms range from runny nose to fever and many aches and pains. Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection fever, with muscle aches, sore throat and cough. It can be mild to serious, sometimes causing serious complications and death. Similar to a cold, it is transmitted by air or touching something that is infected by a person with the virus. HIV and AIDS is one of the most serious infectious diseases of the immune system. It is a virus that kills or impairs cells in the immune system. The body cannot fight diseases. It is spread through sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, pregnant mothers infected giving birth and sometimes blood work. Symptoms vary and it is hard to diagnosis and treat effectively.

Treatments

• Treatments for colds and flu range depending on the diagnosis. Seek the treatment of a qualified doctor when treating these diseases. Treatments may include over-the-counter medications to antibiotics to fight infections. The flu shot or vaccine is often given to prevent people from getting the flu. Many new medications have been developed to treat flu viruses including pills and nasal sprays. Some people that get vaccines develop side effects, so check with your doctor before deciding to get it. Antibiotics are another way to treat the infectious diseases of the immune system. HIV and AIDS medications slow down the diseases. There are no cures for the diseases at this time. Diet and good nutrition help along with medical treatment. .

Considerations

• There are some ways to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Wash your hands with warm soap and water. Rub hands together for about 10 seconds and turn off faucet with paper towel. Rinse with warm water for a few seconds and dry with paper towel or hand dryer. Do this after using the bathroom or before preparing food for yourself or others. Hands should be washed when preparing food, when handling animal waste or garbage or when working with someone who is ill. It is important to get children immunizations for infectious diseases because they are more likely than adults to get infected. Keep pet immunizations current, keep their bed and living areas clean and don't let them eat raw food or drink from the toilet. Wash hands when handling pets or feeding them.