Article: Immune system is our armed forces

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please write about the immune system. What does it mean? How is it damaged? Can one take supplements or injections for it? - B.H.

ANSWER: The immune system is the body's Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard. It defends us from any foreign intruders - germs, in particular.

One of the largest branches of the immune system is white blood cells. Some white blood cells engage in hand-to-hand combat with germs. Others make antibodies and fire them at invaders like artillery shells.

Some cells in the immune system produce powerful chemicals that engulf and immobilize attackers.

Lymph nodes and the spleen are parts of the immune system. These organs filter ...

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