The SARS virus, fueled by media frenzy, captured worldwide attention a few years ago. Then came the "Bird Flu" epidemic and now the "Swine Flu" has gotten everyone in a panic. No, I haven't come down with the Swine Flu, but I am getting sick from all the media coverage it is getting.

What may be called "SARS" or "Bird Flu" or "Swine Flu" today may be referred to as some other virus tomorrow. The truth is bacteria is always around us. Even paper money, according to a study (Southern Medical Journal 12/02), was found to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria. Researchers tested $1 bills from a grocery store and concession stand and found 7% yielding 93 bacterial isolates, with 94% of the bills tested to contain bacterial colonies.

Isn't it strange that the same type of viruses may not have the same affect on everyone? Some get very sick, some may die, while others only experience minor flu-like symptoms and recover quickly. The answer may be found within our individual bodies immune defense system. The immune system is one of the most complex parts of the human body, protecting us from colds, flu, and a host of other viral and bacterial pathogens.

Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D. a formulator and author of numerous nutritional books including, Mind Boosters, Finally The Common Cold Cure and Saw Palmetto Nature's Prostate Healer. As the country's leading expert on nutritional science, he has appeared on over 120 TV programs, including 20/20 and magazines, including Newsweek. Dr. Sahelian describes the strategy of the immune system and how it functions:

The function of the immune system is to defend the body against invaders. Microbes (germs or microorganisms), cancer cells, and transplanted tissues of organs are all interpreted by the immune system as nonself against which the body must be defended. Although the immune system is intricate, its basic strategy is simple: to recognize the enemy, mobilize forces, and attack. Understanding the anatomy and components of the immune system makes it possible to see how this strategy works.

The immune system maintains its own system of circulation-the lymphatic vessels-which permeates every organ in the body except the brain. The lymphatic vessels contain a pale, thick fluid (lymph) consisting of a fat-laden liquid and white blood cells.

Along the lymphatic vessels are special areas-the lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow, spleen, liver, lungs, and intestines-where lymphocytes* can be recruited, mobilized, and deployed to appropriate sites as part of the immune response. The ingenious design of this system ensures the ready availability and quick assembly of an immune response anywhere it is needed. This system can be seen at work when a wound or infection in a fingertip leads to an enlarged lymph node at the elbow, or when a throat infection causes the lymph nodes under the jaw to swell. The lymph nodes swell because the lymphatic vessels drain the infection by carrying it to the nearest area where an immune response can be organized.

* Lymphocytes: The main cell of the lymphatic system, further categorized as B lymphocytes (which produce antibodies) and T lymphocytes (which help the body distinguish self from nonself).

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