Explores the structure of the immune system and how it fights off invasion from attacking diseases and infections. Also explains the different illnesses and conditions that can affect our immune system, from allergic reactions to chronic fatigue syndrome, and outlines ways that we can keep our immune system healthy.

Includes index. Includes glossary. Includes index and glossary.

Introduction -- Defense against what? -- Health and hygiene -- General defense -- Inflammatory response -- Phagocytosis -- Lymphatic system -- Specific immunity -- White blood cells -- Cell-mediated immunity -- Antibodies and immunity -- Vaccination -- Monoclonal antibodies -- Allergy -- Coping with allergies -- Autoimmunity -- Immunodeficiency and immunosuppression -- HIV/AIDS -- Transplants and rejection -- Other immune system problems -- What can go wrong with my immune system?