We’re all no stranger to stressing out, maybe because of work, school, or personal problems. However, in this time of the new coronavirus, stress is present everywhere we look. The news gives us pressure because no one can see any light beyond this tunnel right now.
The number of those with the COVID-19 illness continues to rise as the weeks of quarantine pass by. Aside from the looming problem of people getting laid off, other challenges remain to alarm many people. These problems include having no signs of when we can finally go out and live life.
This stress that this pandemic brings is a big problem. This is because more studies and research show that when stress levels rise, you are more susceptible to the virus you’re trying to avoid.
The Virus Is Getting Stronger
The COVID-19 pandemic, the latest coronaviral disease, has had a long string of consequences all over the world. The disease can be deadly, right now it looks like it may get much worse in the US.
Scientists and physicians really don’t know anything about the current coronavirus and the disease it causes. Nevertheless, with three months of data, it appears that about 80% of infected people have mild to moderate symptoms, about 15% have severe cases, which needs hospitalization. Additionally, about 5% are critical and go into respiratory or organ failure.
We Intake Too Much Bad News
Stress, depression, and sleeplessness are three factors that can severely impact immune systems. These can make people more vulnerable to viruses if they are exposed. Fear, isolation, and disturbed sleep often facilitate the development of proinflammatory cytokines to overreact to some aspects of the immune system. The increased growth of proinflammatory cytokine can cause prolonged symptoms of upper respiratory infection.
And although previous studies focused on various cold and upper respiratory viruses, it is clear that COVID-19 will be similar in its results.
We Are All Susceptible
Previous studies have shown that healthy people, who are non-immunocompromised, spend less time with others, and are exposed to the cold virus are far more likely than those who go out and socialize to become ill and suffer worse symptoms.
This may be due to the way positive emotions work against stressors and evoke a favorable immune response. Even if more extroverted people, probably those carrying germs that could make them ill, are likely to be around them.
It is a fascinating phenomenon during the global pandemic as people have been strongly urged to stay home in certain countries to prevent the epidemic from further spreading.
If You Have A History Of Depression, Be More Watchful
When you are chronically depressed, your cells will become immune to cortisol. This puts you at risk of more respiratory problems.
Chronic stress or chronic depression contributes to cellular disability. The second explanation is that there is an overactivation of inflammatory reactions in individuals who experience chronic stress.
During this crisis, who is most stress-sensitive? Many people are feeling the effects of these trying times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older people, those with poor health, children and youth, health workers working on the front lines, and individuals with mental health problems, including drug users, are affected.
Even if you’re not in one of those classes, it can be daunting for everyone to have this profound moment of anxiety, alienation, lack of social contact, work instability, and possible illness.
Conclusion
This pandemic is incredibly upsetting and has been very traumatic for many people. Unfortunately, nobody knows the length of this pandemic. Increasing numbers of people are angry or anxious, with the stress of job loss, rising debt, and household strains.
Therefore, it is important to take measures to effectively manage your stress. Somehow, if we continue with the goal of flattening the curve, we may be able to see through this. Click here to know more about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself.