Stressh and the immune system have a complex relationship.

Your immune system knows when

you’re stressed. The body’s natural defender is sensitive to psychological stress, especially if it’s
chronic.

Stress can reduce the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body, which are needed to
fight viruses.

Stress can cause the immune system to produce an inflammatory response, which can be
temporarily beneficial for fighting germs. However, if inflammation is persistent and widespread, it
can contribute to chronic diseases, including the buildup of plaque on your arterial walls.

Chronic stress can produce higher-than-normal levels of the hormone cortisol. This can hamper the
body’s anti-inflammatory response and cause continual infections, according to recent immunology
research studies.

https://health.umms.org/2020/11/10/stress-immune-system/

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body.

The immune system usually guards against bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign
invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them.

Usually, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells.

In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin,
as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells.

Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other
diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, can affect the whole body.

How are autoimmune diseases treated?

Treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, but they can control the overactive immune response
and bring down inflammation or at least reduce pain and inflammation. Drugs used to treat these
conditions include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
and naproxen (Naprosyn) and immune-suppressing drugs
Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes.

Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise may also help you feel better.

https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee
venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people.

Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your
immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn't.
When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your
skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

In May 1796, English physician Edward Jenner expands on this discovery and inoculates 8-year-old
James Phipps with matter collected from a cowpox sore on the hand of a milkmaid. Despite suffering
a local reaction and feeling unwell for several days, Phipps made a full recovery.

Two months later, in July 1796, Jenner inoculates Phipps with matter from a human smallpox sore in
order to test Phipps’ resistance. Phipps remains in perfect health, and becomes the first human to
be vaccinated against smallpox. The term ‘vaccine’ is later coined, taken from the Latin word for
cow, vacca.