Stress, loneliness, and sleep loss can weaken the immune system, leaving people more susceptible to COVID-19. The best way to mitigate the negative health effects of stress and social isolation during the pandemic is to stay connected with others, particularly via video calls.
Fagundes said this can be explained by the way positive emotions buffer against stressors and evoke a favorable immune response, even while extroverted individuals are more likely to be around more people, possibly those who are carrying germs that could make them sick. It’s an interesting paradox during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Fagundes said, when people are strongly encouraged and in some places required to stay at home to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Read more at: https://neurosciencenews.com/covid-19-stress-loneliness-15954/