What is your Your Immune System?
There’s a good reason to find out. When you understand everything that it does for you, and how everyday things affect it, you can help it keep you well.

It Looks Out for You
Your immune system works to root out germs and other invaders that have no business in your body.

For example, if you inhale a cold virus through your nose, your immune system targets that virus and either stops it in its tracks or primes you to recover. It takes time to get over an infection, and sometimes you need medicine to help, but the immune system is the cornerstone of prevention and recovery.

It Likes It When You Relax
Do your best to tame your stress. When you’re wound up, your immune system doesn’t work as well as it does when you’re confident and mellow about your challenges. That may make you more likely to get sick.
Ongoing stress, such as being in a difficult relationship, living with a chronic disease, or being a caregiver, can take its toll on your immune system. Over time, it can make you more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and flu to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Chronic stress seems to age the immune system, studies show, making you more likely to get a cold or the flu, and to develop diabetes and heart disease.

Everyone goes through stress. What matters is how you handle it. Getting better at managing stress can help. Even something as simple as deep breathing can lessen the effects of stress. Or try other relaxation techniques, such as:
Meditation
Yoga
Other types of exercise
Counseling can make a big difference, too.