An immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease. In order to function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue. A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease.
By Ansa Varughese | May 21, 2013 05:23 PM EDT
The World Health Organization has had difficulty tracking the course of the deadly H7N9 bird flu since it was reported in humans in March.
By Jonathan Weiss | May 21, 2013 01:51 PM EDT
Because of opposition to vaccines, hundreds of people are now at risk for measles infection.
By Ansa Varughese | May 21, 2013 10:08 AM EDT
The novel coronavirus has killed a Tunisian man and infected two of his adult children after their trip to Saudi Arabia.
By Ansa Varughese | May 20, 2013 02:15 PM EDT
Researchers found that the new pertussis vaccine is six times more likely to cause whooping cough in teens and preteens than the older vaccine.
By Cindy del Rosario | May 18, 2013 06:17 PM EDT
New York City public health officials recommend that HIV-positive or non-monogamous men who have visited the city any time since September 2012 get vaccinated.
By Evan Winchester | May 16, 2013 02:57 PM EDT
Functioning human thymus tissue is a significant step toward treating autoimmune disease in humans.
By Justin Caba | May 16, 2013 09:58 AM EDT
After finding out he had prostate cancer just last June, comedian Tommy Chong announces a cancer-free diagnosis that he claims is due to a steady regimen of hash oil.
By Evan Winchester | May 15, 2013 06:42 PM EDT
FDA approves new treatment option for ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease that affects about 620,000 Americans.
By Christie Rizk | May 15, 2013 11:03 AM EDT
Singer Rod Stewart says his use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in his vocal cords left him with a variety of medical problems.
By Susan Scutti | May 14, 2013 09:42 PM EDT
Japanese scientists test their theory that the role played by gender in matters of longevity may be linked to the immune system.
By Ansa Varughese | May 14, 2013 10:08 AM EDT
A German hospital will be investigating the clinical trials that permitted Western pharmaceutical companies to test new drugs on patients without their consent during the 1980s in former East Germany.
By Jonathan Weiss | May 14, 2013 10:01 AM EDT
With one-fifth of all rotavirus deaths taking place in India, a public-private partnership aims to provide a cheaper vaccine.
By Matthew Mientka | May 15, 2013 12:07 AM EDT
Chinese researchers say the H7N9 bird flu might comprise several different viruses circulating within Hangzhou Province and elsewhere, mutating rapidly.
By Justin Caba | May 13, 2013 10:24 AM EDT
Authorities say a highly touted Las Vegas restaurant is to blame for the most recent Salmonella outbreak.
By Jonathan Weiss | May 13, 2013 09:15 AM EDT
After close contact with a French patient diagnosed with the virus last Wednesday, a new patient tests positive and raises fears of human transmission.
