Your Immune System Is Not a Muscle

This article challenges the conception of the immune system as a muscle, illustrating that pathogens' effects vary widely. Chronic illnesses can stem from infections, and modern hygiene practices have shifted our microbial exposure. It delves into the 'Hygiene Hypothesis', 'Old Friends' hypothesis, and the rise of 'crowd infections' vs. co-evolved microbes. The piece suggests precision in addressing microbes is crucial for understanding health.

• Our immune systems evolved before modern travel, affecting pathogen spread.
• Certain cells in the immune system can 'remember' past invaders.
• Measles virus can destroy pre-existing immunity to other illnesses.
• Old Friends Hypothesis more accurately describes beneficial microbes.
• Crowd infections have emerged with dense populations and travel.