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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Geneva, IL
October 1, 2025
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A myHIVteam Member

What do you call a cold dog?
A chiili dog
🐾😜🀣😭🀣🌭🌭🌭

October 1, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Biggest joke ever recorded!

October 1, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

FYI FAM:
AI Overview
Yes, laughter and humor have been shown in clinical and experimental studies to positively affect the immune system. Researchers have found that genuine, "mirthful" laughter can trigger beneficial physiological changes that help reduce stress and boost the body's disease-fighting capabilities.
How laughter and humor help the immune system
Reduces stress hormones. Laughter effectively decreases levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine, which are known to suppress the immune system when chronically elevated. By mitigating this stress response, laughter strengthens the body's resistance to illness.
Increases immune cells and antibodies. Studies have found that laughter can increase the production and activity of key immune system components, including:
T-cells: A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in immunity.
B-cells: Lymphocytes that produce antibodies to fight infections.
Natural killer (NK) cells: Immune cells that combat viruses and destroy certain types of cancer cells.
Immunoglobulins: Infection-fighting antibodies, such as salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Releases "feel-good" chemicals. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. This boost in well-being and pain relief also helps lower stress and anxiety, which are factors that can negatively impact the immune system.
Increases circulation. The physical act of laughing improves blood flow and oxygen intake, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. Better circulation supports the optimal function of immune cells.
Clinical findings and research
Early research (1970s): Pioneering work by journalist Norman Cousins, who treated himself for a debilitating disease using humor, spurred clinical interest in the therapeutic effects of laughter.
Later studies (1990s): Researchers at Loma Linda University, including Lee Berk and Stanley Tan, have conducted multiple studies demonstrating the positive effects of laughter. In one study, participants who watched a humorous video experienced increases in natural killer cell activity and interferon-gamma, with elevated levels lasting into the next day.
Controlled experiments: Some experiments show that people who actively laugh during humor exposure, not just smile, exhibit more significant increases in immune function.
Limitations and future research
While evidence supports the positive effect of laughter on immune markers, the full clinical benefits and long-term health outcomes are still under investigation. Further research is needed to determine the overall effect on preventing or treating specific diseases. Nevertheless, laughter is widely recognized as a safe, accessible, and positive way to improve well-being and support a healthy immune response.

October 1, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

"Why don't scientists trust atoms?" Because they're constantly fabricating everything!

October 1, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I hear ya Brooke πŸ˜­πŸ‘βœ‹πŸ™πŸŒˆβ€οΈ My piggy is pink not orange but you get the point πŸ˜­πŸ€£πŸ˜‚πŸ˜…πŸ˜­

October 1, 2025 (edited)

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A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Geneva, IL

A myHIVteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Geneva, IL