The human body defends itself against infections and other problems through its immune system - an interconnected body protection system made up of white blood cells and other tissues. In most cases, a strong immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections; however, problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection.
There are some things that you can do to help keep your immune system strong. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu in addition to having routine boosters, like having your tetanus shot updated every 10 years. For more information on vaccines, talk to your health provider.
Besides vaccinations, there are several things you can do to help keep your immune system strong. The top recommendation is to reduce stress, which may negatively impact your ability to remain healthy. The good news is that lowering stress can help your body maintain both your physical and your emotional health. Other factors may help improve your immune system:
- Get sleep and rest
- Keep physically active
- Eat a healthy diet
For more information, visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.
