Climate change and the immune system

Climate change will lead to the spread of tropical infectious diseases toward moderate climate regions. Recommended vaccination schedules should be adapted to include these diseases. The changing climate has also extended pollen season and increased both the frequency and severity of dust storms, which impacts asthmatic patients. There are indications that next to extreme heath, pollen exposure contributes to acute cardiac events and complications after cardiovascular surgery. More insight into the underlying mechanisms of the negative effects of climate changes on the immune system could allow to take the appropriate measures and interventions to mitigate climate-associated immune-mediated diseases.