Does a 'Strong' Immune System Ward Off Colds and Flu? - Karen Weintraub
"What makes people sick is a combination of bad luck - exposures to viruses or other pathogens - and the state of their immune system," said Talia Swartz, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai." Someone with a weakened immune system is likely to be more vulnerable to passing bugs than someone with a healthy one." There are definitely different types of patients who are more resistant to infections or who have slower progression of infectious diseases based on certain immune features we recognize that make them have a stronger immune system. "Frequent hand washing is crucial for keeping bugs from entering the mouth, nose and eyes, where they can spread infections," added Dr. Swartz. She also recommended annual flu shots to attempt to prevent flu or reduce its severity. Other vaccinations, like the new shingles one, which is now recommended for people 50 and older, are also a good idea to help the immune system.
- Talia Swartz, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai