Describe how stress impacts the immunity of a person

Module 06 written assignment – stress and immunity | Professional Nursing 1 | Rasmussen College System

Stress can have a significant impact on the immune system of a person. When a person experiences stress, their body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can have both positive and negative effects on the immune system.

In the short term, cortisol can help to suppress inflammation and reduce the activity of immune cells, which can be helpful for reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. However, long-term or chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can have the opposite effect and weaken the immune system.

Chronic stress can cause immune cells to become less responsive to the signals that help to activate them, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Additionally, stress can increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to a range of health problems, including chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Stress can also impact the balance of the microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in and on the human body. The microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system, and changes to the microbiome caused by stress can further weaken the immune system.

In summary, stress can have a significant impact on the immune system of a person, both in the short and long term. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections, illnesses, and chronic diseases. It is important to manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, and social support, in order to maintain a strong and healthy immune system.