What Is the Immune System for Kids Learn all about how the body fights off bad germs

The parts that make up the immune system are the skin, white blood cells, and the lymph system. The skin is actually the body's first line of defense because it covers the whole body like a shield. This is why it's important to keep yourself clean. Since germs spread very easily by skin contact, washing your hands is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of germs. White blood cells are like "watchers" of the blood. They multiply constantly because they only live for a few weeks. There are three types of white blood cells, one of which specifically helps keep the body clean during the healing process. These are called macrophages. Another kind, lymphocytes, are the white blood cells that attack infections. Different types of lymphocytes have different responsibilities. Some find hidden germs and unhealthy cells and destroy while others produce antibodies to fight specific germs. Did you know that sometimes the immune system fights against good things? When it thinks a particular food, for instance, is bad, it will attack it, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, hives, or other reactions. In other words, it causes allergies and an allergic reaction. When the immune system attacks healthy cells because it mistakes them for unhealthy, it means the body suffers from an autoimmune disease.