A curious coincidence has occurred: I am reviewing immunology and within 24 hours I have the flu. I have all the disagreeable body sensations I just studied. It is small comfort, having the knowledge the severe aches and loss of energy are coming from interleukins (mostly type 2).
As there is nothing I can do, here is “Immunology 101” written mostly so I can remember it. Perhaps Spo-fans may find it interesting.
The point of ‘life’ gets down to “sex and not dying”. While the former is an option (although jolly good fun) the latter is indispensable. We are continually barraged by wee-beasties (properly called pathogens). They are hell bent on using us as food or as a breeding ground. Happily we have an intricate and awesome defense called ‘The Immune System” which works to not make this not so. It is a marvel of nature, to be sure.
The immune system is divided into two types: the innate and the acquired immune system.
The innate system (what you are both with): Our first line of defense is the skin. We think of it as holding things in but it serves to keep things out. It secretes oils and acids to help wash away pathogens. We live in harmony with ‘our own wee-beasties” which help us keep off the riffraff. There are also the mucus membranes which secrete things to wash away the invaders.
2nd line of defense is inflammation. Mast cells secrete histamine which allows white blood cells (WBCs) and fluid to seep into an area. Redness, heat, and swelling help keep down pathogens who got past the first line.
Got it?
The acquired immune system is a complicated ballet of several types of white blood cells working with each other to produce antibodies, kill infected cells, and ‘keep records’ so a second invasion is not possible. It is frightfully complicated and more than when I was in medical school.There are T cells, and B cells and NK cells (Natural Killer cells). The later is my favorite as it is the cell type we got trained to kill off other cells. Resistance is useless.
Those familiar with HIV know of ’T-helper cells”. These are specialized white blood cells who ‘sound the alarm’ and tell a variety of other cells there is an invasion and do something about it now. HIV attacks and kills T-helper cells. So there are no “Paul Revere” cells and the body can’t surmount an attack on invaders. HIV doesn’t ‘kill’; pathogens which are normally fought off is what kills HIV patients, through opportunistic infections.
Although I am appreciative of my immune system (currently quite active), I will be grateful when this present battle is over. I don’t make a good patient, really. Just ask Someone or see “Diary of a mad housewife”.
17 comments
October 27, 2013 at 3:15 PM
zeph
You’re a hell of a teacher. That’s beautiful, engaging, and clear. Also, I think I need to review immunology, my understanding seems to be dated.
October 27, 2013 at 3:17 PM
zeph
Oh, right. Also, get well soon! Ach, my people skills are abysmal. I do care. I’m just a donkey.
October 27, 2013 at 3:50 PM
Mark in DE
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
October 27, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Ron
I am sorry that you have the flu. I’ve had a bad cold (I think the flu) for the past four or five years. I never used to get colds but now every year I get a doozy in spite of the fact I faithfully get my flu shot every year.
I hope this temporary condition passes soon and you’re back to your normal spunk.
Ron
October 27, 2013 at 4:43 PM
anne marie in philly
when you come east in 2 weeks, please leave the “wee beasties” in AZ. I have already had my pneumonia, and do not wish to be sick again. 😉
that being said, get well soon! 🙂
October 27, 2013 at 4:45 PM
Ron
Ditto here Anne Marie. I’ve had my flu shot and my pneumonia shot. Do not wish to revisit either one of those maladies.
October 27, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Will
Quoth the good doctor: “The point of ‘life’ gets down to sex and not dying. While the former is more an option the latter is indispensable.” To me, they are BOTH indispensable.
I have a cold, also — began in my head, dropped into my chest and gave me a rather bad day today lower down. Hope you, Ron and I get over it fast.
October 27, 2013 at 5:14 PM
truthspew
Oddly I never get the flu, or at least not since I was in my early 20’s. But then I’m also one who washes my hands pretty frequently so that probably stops a good 85% of the crap.
Another thing about the immune system – they’re learning that it’s tied to the gut too. And I tend to eat lots of yogurt. So my lacto-bacillus are up to snuff.
October 27, 2013 at 6:08 PM
jason
oh no!
I hope you’re feeling better soon.
October 28, 2013 at 12:31 AM
Raybeard
Oh, what misery! Fight the good fight and all will be well – very much sooner rather than later we hope.
October 28, 2013 at 3:20 AM
Mitchell is Moving
Rats! Feel better soon. No flu shot, Doctor, or got it anyway?
October 28, 2013 at 8:56 AM
the cajun
with my sweet new diagnosis of Milo Fibrosis I am dealing with nasty psycho-pathogens and my own wee-beasties appear to be jumping ship. Keep talking, I am bound to feel better as some point…;-)
Hope you heal quickly. Cheers.
October 28, 2013 at 4:45 PM
Breent
When I was growing up, we had a Medical Dictionary on the bookshelf. Every time I would take it down to read about diseases, I would end up getting sick! It got so that my parents forbade me to read it anymore. Your own study and resultant sickness reminded me of this. I hope you feel well soon.
October 29, 2013 at 12:06 AM
Birdie
So sorry you’ve been hit. Isn’t that a natural hazard of working with the public?
When the husband gets a bad cold–the only kind he gets–he shouts “Teen! Teen-UH!” when he wants something.
October 29, 2013 at 4:51 AM
Urspo
Tina calling is not uncommon in our house when we want the other !!!
Sent from nowhere in particular.
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November 22, 2013 at 9:46 PM
Erik Rubright
I’m (obviously) behind on reading, but I hope you’re feeling more human!
November 23, 2013 at 5:43 AM
Urspo
Saturday – still lousy ! 😦
Sent from nowhere in particular.
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