The invasion and growth of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. A disease caused by microorganisms that invade tissue.

There are five major types of infectious agents: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. In addition, a new class of infectious agents, the prions, has recently been recognized.

Chlamydia, influenza A & B, Staphylococcus, E. Coli, Herpes Simplex 1, Herpes Simplex 2, Shigellosis, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Norovirus, Salmonella, Pneumonia, Hepatitis C, HIV, Common Cold.

People with weakened immune system either due to poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol, disease, age, & chronic medical conditions like diabetes.

Depending on the infection, the body can be affected minimally or severely. In a viral cold infection, the body may feel general discomfort and illness for a short period of time. With COVID-19, the virus can attack almost anything in the body with devastating consequences including end organ failure & death. 

Coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) & middle eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), Malaria, Influenza, Tuberculosis, HIV, Cholera, Ebola, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Pneumonia, Dengue, Yellow Fever, Hantavirus, Anthrax, MRSA, Pertussis, Tetanus, & Zika 

Your body uses natural barriers and the immune system to defend itself against organisms that can cause infection. Natural barriers include the skin, mucous membranes, tears, earwax, mucus, and stomach acid. The immune system uses white blood cells, antibodies and other mechanisms to identify and eliminate organisms that get through the body’s natural barriers.

Some of the most practical was to prevent infections are to wash your hands regularly. Don’t share personal items. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use safe cooking practices. Be a smart traveler by taking proper precautions. Practice safe sex. Don’t pick your nose.

Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever associated cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, pale blue colored lips & severe fatigue. This list is not all the possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system working properly. In addition, there are known vitamins and supplements that help support and strengthen your immune system, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc. The Power of Ten is recommended to be taken daily to help your natural immune system. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

• Don’t smoke.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Try to minimize stress.