All of us are familiar with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, popularly known as HIV, as it has been one of the most dreaded viruses in the world for a long time. HIV infection has long been one of the world’s most challenging and stigmatised conditions, and despite decades of awareness efforts and scientific progress, misconceptions still surround it. Once you contract HIV, unfortunately, there is no cure. However, advances in treatment and prevention have transformed HIV in

Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of adult leukemia and one of the most aggressive blood cancers. It mainly affects older adults and is marked by the rapid buildup of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy ones. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation can help some patients, but many—especially older individuals—either cannot tolerate these treatments or eventually relapse. In recent years, scientists have

Image from VUMC NEWS Influenza viral infection causes the flu- We have all had the flu and experienced the symptoms that come along with it, including fever, chills, coughing, runny nose, fatigue. Generally, within a few days we are able to recover, however, there are some individuals that are at high risk to whom the flu can be quite dangerous. Generally, we are accustomed to the fact that every year there are seasonal flu outbreaks and epidemics, however, there can also be

By Anne Denk, RN, BSN People often have a fever when they are sick. A fever is a tool the immune system uses to fight off infection. Neutropenic fever occurs in individuals with a low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are the first cells that attack foreign intruders in the body. They fight off infection. When someone has a low neutrophil count and a fever, it is referred to as “neutropenic fever.” Many things can cause

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune inflammatory neurological disease. Around 2.2 million people are affected by this condition globally, and it presents with a wide variety of symptoms. When you have MS, your body’s own defence system, also known as the immune system, mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the nervous system. This causes damage to the protective covering around nerve fibres, or myelin, through a process called demyelination. As a result, the t

Understanding Peanut Allergy and the Role of Palforzia Peanut allergy affects 1-2% of people in the United States, making it one of the most common food allergies (1). This happens when the immune system mistakes proteins in peanuts for harmful substances. When this occurs, the body releases chemicals that trigger allergic reactions, which can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis (2). Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, and are related to soybeans, pea

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which affects the structure of neurons. While there is no known exact cause for multiple sclerosis, there are treatments available to change the course of the disease.

I first heard about PANDAS when I was around ten years old, and to be honest it sounded unreal. The idea that harmless strep throat could spark lasting changes in a child’s behavior felt more like fiction than fact. Yet, for many families, PANDAS is a life-changing reality. What Exactly Is PANDAS? PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It’s a subset of a broader condition known as PANS ( Pediatric Acute-on

The Hidden Risk in Childhood Allergies Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can become fatal within minutes. In the United States, deaths among young children are rare, but when they occur, they highlight preventable gaps in recognition, treatment, and equitable access to care. How Common Are Fatal Allergic Reactions? National data from 1999–2010 recorded 2,458 anaphylaxis-related deaths across all ages. Most involved medications in older adults, but fatal food re

When we think about the protective mechanisms our body utilizes to protect us against infections, the first thought is our immune system....

In the United Kingdom, around 9,700 women are diagnosed with endometrial (womb) cancer annually, making it the most common gynaecological...

Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to usually non-harmful foreign substances. For example, when you ingest, inhale,...

What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobials is a broad term that can include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and...

Prenatal yoga is more than gentle stretching but a science-backed practice that supports cardiovascular health, reduces anxiety, shortens labor, and enhances maternal resilience. Grounded in evidence from recent clinical studies, this guide explores how mindful movement benefits both mother and baby, outlines safety tips based on ACOG recommendations, and presents key modified poses for every trimester.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Instead of defending against...

Each year in the United States, about 2 million people get infected by a bacteria that resists antibiotics, and at last 23 thousandths...

Understanding How Immunometabolism Works in Your Body: When most people think of cancer, they picture cells multiplying at an alarming...

What Is the Immune System? The immune system is a collection of biological structures and processes that recognize and fight off harmful...

Blood is a specialized fluid connective tissue that supports and connects all body systems [1, 2, 8, 11, 13]. Its three main functions...

Image of HIV Virus artwork featuring 3D prints of HIV Virus particles, By: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)...