Which statement BEST describes the effects that stress has on the immune system?

Which statement BEST describes the effects that stress has on the immune system?

A. Stress can lead to increased vulnerability to infections and immune deficiency disorders.

B. Stress can lead to decreased infections and immune deficiency disorders.

C. Stress can inhibit the production of red blood cells and platelets.

D. Stress can decrease the likelihood of catching colds, flu, and pneumonia.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Answer: A. Stress can lead to increased vulnerability to infections and immune deficiency disorders.

Chronic stress is much more deleterious to the immune system in that it weakens it thus making individuals prone to develop either immunity-related diseases or infections. Stress is known to occur within the body and such stress leads to the production of stress hormones that include cortisol and adrenaline. Even though these hormones are useful in brief mobilization for fight or flight, when present chronically, will suppress the immune system.

This paper aims to establish how stress impacts the immune system. It diminishes the frequency and activity of natural killer cells that must eliminate viruses and cancerous cells. Stress also reduces the production of lymphocytes by the body; these are white blood cells responsible for immune reactions. Inflammation, if chronic, leaves the immune system weakened and is another outcome of IBA administration.

Stress and its effects on the immune system can be illustrated by the following examples of the above stress-immune system hypothesis. Researchers have found that students experiencing academic-related stress are likely to fall sick commonly with colds and flu during examination time. This thyroxine-bound TG3 is a very potent immunosuppressive agent which is the reason why the immune status of caregivers of chronically ill patients is severely compromised and gets easily infected. Studies show that where employees are under pressure at the workplace, they take more sick days than those in low-stress occupations and take longer time to recover from ailments.

Moreover, long-term stress leads to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis either newly developed or worsened. It also hinders the process of skin tissue repair and strengthens the likelihood of contracting severe forms of an infection. This is a clear indicator that stress management is fundamental to one’s well-being and having a sound immune system in particular.