Is there a set quota of white blood cells that the human body produces over its lifetime, and if so do routine vaccines (e.g. the flu) tax the immune system enough to significantly shorten the person's lifespan? [more inside]
posted by foulowl on Nov 19, 2009 - 33 answers

My wife's mother did not breastfeed her; she was fed formula until she was weaned. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 26, 2009 - 41 answers

How can I avoid getting the flu? I have gotten spooked by a couple coworkers who got SICK from the flu, which they caught from their kids, and I am very intent on avoiding the same fate (trouble coming out of both ends). Short of covering myself in saranwrap and lysol, and then hiding in an ICBM silo, what do you suggest? [more inside]
posted by allen8219 on Feb 23, 2009 - 21 answers

I believe I am having an adverse reaction to the FluMist. How long can I expect to feel like complete crap? [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Sep 13, 2008 - 11 answers

I am so discouraged. I have been trying for the last 5 years to exercise to lose weight. I always do well, until about 6 weeks in I become ill. Usually with a chest cold, a fever, sometimes bronchitis. [more inside]
posted by generic230 on Aug 17, 2008 - 16 answers

Emergen-C vs. Airborne [more inside]
posted by SixteenTons on Sep 11, 2007 - 25 answers

Immune System: Is it possible to weaken the immune system by boosting it too much and too often? [more inside]
posted by mojabunni on Feb 22, 2006 - 28 answers

If you're sick with a common ailment (sore throat, flu, cold, barfing, etc), is it expected that you might sleep more? Does sleeping more really help your body to recover?
posted by wildblueyonder on Jan 1, 2005 - 5 answers