NIE: HealthRocks

Resources: www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=152&id=2402 • kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/immune.html buildyourimmunity.com/immune-system/for-kids/ • www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/fun-facts • kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/germs.html • www.nih.gov kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/immune.html • www.ducksters.com/science/biology/immune_system.php • www.healthchecksystems.com/vitamins.htm www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases • aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/hiv-in-your-body/immune-system-101/ www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/ • webmd.com • mayoclinic.com • www.ehow.com/facts_4798808_vitamins-boost-immune-system.html www.aboutbioscience.org/careers/immunologist • www.buzzle.com/articles/immune-system-facts.html • www.innerbody.com/image/lympov.html www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/allergy_and_asthma/allergies_and_the_immune_system_85 ,P00039/ CAREERS IN THE IMMUNITY FIELD If you’re interested in studying the immune system, treating patients and possibly discovering a cure or new treatments for immune diseases, you might want to consider one of these careers. Immunologists are research scientists who study and treat diseases related to the immune system. Many work in labs, but some work in hospitals with patients who have immune diseases. Biologists who focus on infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, are also involved in immunology. Many work for the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and other entities that study and track the spread of diseases like the flu, HIV and Ebola. Medical specialists in rheumatology (focusing on rheumatoid arthritis), dermatology (focusing on the skin and its diseases) and others also require knowledge of the immune system. On that note, some allergies can be very life-threatening. Some people are so sensitive to certain allergens that they can experience serious symptoms when exposed to trace amounts. A person with a peanut allergy, for example, can instantly swell up if they use a knife that’s been used to spread peanut butter, or eat a snack that’s been produced in a factory that also makes foods containing peanuts. Some people with allergies carry around prescription medication that can rapidly alleviate symptoms of a dangerous reaction. Most people are also taught to avoid the allergen, and to look for warnings on food labels and restaurant menus that allergenic substances are present. Because nuts can be so dangerous, especially to kids, some schools and organizations ban foods containing nuts altogether. Chances are, you or someone you know is allergic to something. They might cough and sneeze when exposed to dust. Certain foods may cause parts of their body to swell or itch. What’s going on? Allergies are the result of the immune system’s response to a false alarm. The immune system is overstimulated by substances that are normally harmless, like pollen or pet dander. These are called allergens. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system reacts dramatically by producing antibodies to attack the antigen. This can cause symptoms from watery or itchy eyes and a runny nose to rashes and wheezing. There is no cure for allergies, though many people outgrow them. Allergy symptoms can often be treated with over-the counter medica- tions, eye drops, nasal sprays and allergy shots. More serious allergies may require medical attention when a reaction occurs. Allergies: Another Immune Problem