Chronic stress can have which effect on the immune system?

Chronic stress can have which effect on the immune system?

• A. Enhance immune function
• B. Suppress immune function
• C. No change
• D. Triggers autoimmune reactions

Answer: (B)

Chronic stress shifts how the body handles defense, mainly through ongoing activation of the stress response system. When stress is constant, elevated levels of cortisol and other stress hormones suppress many aspects of immune activity. This shows up as reduced natural killer cell function, slower lymphocyte proliferation, and a move toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles, which collectively weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. While short-term stress can transiently mobilize immune defenses, long-term stress tends to dampen them, making you more susceptible to illness. Autoimmune reactions aren’t a universal or direct consequence of chronic stress, so the overall effect is best described as immune suppression rather than triggering new autoimmune activity.

Chronic stress shifts how the body handles defense, mainly through ongoing activation of the stress response system. When stress is constant, elevated levels of cortisol and other stress hormones suppress many aspects of immune activity. This shows up as reduced natural killer cell function, slower lymphocyte proliferation, and a move toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles, which collectively weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. While short-term stress can transiently mobilize immune defenses, long-term stress tends to dampen them, making you more susceptible to illness. Autoimmune reactions aren’t a universal or direct consequence of chronic stress, so the overall effect is best described as immune suppression rather than triggering new autoimmune activity.