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Patients & Consumers Online Tools Find an Allergist / Immunologist Pollen Counts Diseases 101 Drug Guide Featured Resources » AAAAI Tips Brochures Topic of the Month Information Request Form Donate Now Constituencies » Patients & Consumers Contact Search by Condition (A-Z) Request a Speaker Smoke Free Homes Referral Guidelines Breakthroughs in Bioscience Other Resources En Español Just for Kids Seniors		Allergic Conditions: Infection Infection occurs when a disease-causing germ such as a bacteria, virus or fungus invades the body. To become infected, you must catch the germ (exposure) and have the ability to become infected (susceptibility). Susceptibility is more complicated than exposure. We are all susceptible to infection by thousands of different germs. The purpose of the immune system is to prevent infection by recognizing germs and eliminating or disabling them before they can cause infection. People with immunodeficiency get the same kinds of infections that other people get—ear infections, sinusitis and pneumonia. The difference is that their infections occur more frequently, are often more severe, and have a greater risk of complications. Resources about infections and immunodeficiency: Recurrent Infections Tip Brochure Fast Facts: Immunology Immune Deficiency Foundation  Please visit an allergist for more information on allergic disease and your individual medical condition. If you need to locate an allergist in your area, visit the Academy’s online Physician Referral Directory. <back>
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