“During the fight against ARVI, the body activates defense mechanisms: the immune system produces antibodies and specialized cells to fight the virus.
This process involves the activation of T lymphocytes, which help destroy infected cells, and B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies aimed at destroying the virus.
The work of macrophages, which absorb and process viral particles, also increases,” the doctor explained.
According to her, these mechanisms help the body effectively cope with infection and restore health.
“However, sometimes such a fight against infection can lead to a situation where the immune system begins to attack not only viruses, but also the body’s own tissues,” the specialist emphasized.
The infectious process can provoke the development or exacerbation of various autoimmune diseases, Demyanovskaya added.
“For example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the cells of the thyroid gland, leading to its inflammation and disruption of hormone production.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common autoimmune disease.
It affects the joints: they become painful, lose mobility, and may swell.
In some cases, systemic lupus erythematosus develops, a disease in which several organs are affected at once: skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs,” Demyanovskaya shared.
Prolonged inflammation and severe immune system reactions can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.
To reduce the likelihood of their development, it is important to seek medical help in a timely manner and always follow the doctor’s prescriptions, even if they seem unnecessary, RT’s interlocutor recalled.
“In addition, it is important to maintain general health: maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid unnecessary stress, eat right and maintain physical activity,” the neurologist concluded.
Previously, Demyanovskaya explained in a conversation with RT why it is difficult to wake up in the morning in winter, as well as how twilight affects mood and well-being.