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By Paul Han, MD, President of the Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM)
Photo Credits: Unsplash
The ongoing pandemic has significantly increased public interest in the immune system. The immune system acts as the body’s natural defense against various infections, including the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, as well as bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia and tuberculosis. White blood cells play a crucial role in immune responses by recognizing and eliminating harmful organisms or attaching to infectious particles to produce antibodies. Certain white blood cells remember specific infections, enabling a quicker response upon re-exposure.
No method ensures complete immunity against all infections. Vaccines function by boosting memory cells to defend against specific infections. Some vaccines, like those for measles or polio, offer lifelong protection against particular pathogens, whereas others, such as the influenza vaccine, require frequent administration and provide partial protection. Notably, there are two types of pneumonia vaccines—Prevnar-13 and Pneumovax-23—for older adults and those with existing respiratory conditions. While these vaccines have lasting effects, they are not comprehensive solutions for all forms of pneumonia.
The immune system can weaken under various conditions. Aging, diseases like cancer, diabetes, and lung disorders increase susceptibility to infections. Sleep deprivation is a common direct cause of reduced immunity, with individuals sleeping less than six hours more prone to upper respiratory infections. Cold temperatures also inhibit virus clearance in the nasal passages, leading to more infections in winter.
Nutrition is vital in preventing infections. Both underweight and overweight individuals face increased risks of skin and lung infections. Obesity has been linked to severe respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients. High-fat diets may increase inflammation, whereas supplements like zinc and probiotics are known to help prevent respiratory infections. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of vitamin C, D, ginseng, and echinacea for respiratory infection prevention remains inconclusive.
Lifestyle changes can also reduce infection risks. The pandemic has underscored the importance of handwashing and mask usage. Regular exercise decreases infections in older adults and enhances immune response post-vaccination. Conversely, excessive exercise can be detrimental. Unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking impair immune function.
Recent research indicates that chronic stress and anxiety can deteriorate immune function, leading to chronic inflammation. Persisting emotional stress may decrease vaccination-induced immune responses, while positive emotions can enhance immunity, suggesting that greater happiness may strengthen resistance to infections.
For further study, referenced works include "Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold" by Prather AA, Janicki-Deverts D, Hall MH, Cohen S, and "Seasonality of Respiratory Viral Infection" by Moriyama M, Hugentobler WJ, Iwasaki A.
The Association of Korean American Medical Graduates (AKAM) is a volunteer organization based in New York and New Jersey, committed to improving public health and welfare. Focusing on volunteering, education, research, and mentorship, we support doctors and medical students interested in healthcare. More information is available at www.akam.org.
