why are people experiencing lots of stress more likely to get sick?

People experiencing a lot of stress are more likely to get sick because chronic stress suppresses the immune system, making it less able to fight off infections. Stress raises levels of hormones like catecholamines and cortisol, which initially help in a fight-or-flight response but, when sustained over time, suppress immune cells such as T cells and lymphocytes. This suppression increases vulnerability to viruses and other pathogens. Chronic stress also leads to increased inflammation through elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can worsen health and contribute to various diseases. Additionally, stress-related immune suppression impairs the body's ability to regulate inflammation, making it harder to recover from infections and increasing the risk of illness. Stress causes a prolonged release of cortisol, which can weaken immune responses and reduce white blood cells that fight infections. Chronic stress also affects the body's hormonal responses, preventing the immune system from properly terminating inflammatory reactions. This situation leaves the body more susceptible not only to common infections like colds but also to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Social support can moderate some of these effects by reducing psychological distress and its impact on the immune system. In summary, the main reason stressed people get sick more often is that sustained stress disrupts normal immune function, leading to immune suppression, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of infections and other illnesses.