Anxiety over COVID-19 can weaken your immune system

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Could your anxiety over the coronavirus pandemic actually make you sick?

Experts say those who feel sustained stress day in and day out can weaken their immune systems. Too much of the fight or flight hormone could make you more susceptable to illness including COVID-19.

And, you are probably thinking, " Great, something else to worry about?" Well, don't.

But there are a few things to think about if you are stressing out over the coronavirus.

"Depression and fatigue is a very real and expected thing to come out of the quarantine and does effect your overall health," said Dr. Calvin Smith at Meharry Medical College.

He is one of the supervisors for COVID-19 testing in Metro-Nashville. Dr. Smith sees the stress in patients he works with on a daily basis -- and he says that's completely natural under the circumstances.

"With the patients I've been seeing lately I always end every session with a check in on how their mindset is going, and how they are dealing with everything being isolated."

The mental aspect -- dealing with depression -- is challenging enough. But Dr. Smith said for some the stress can become all consuming creating potential physical concerns.

"It's not normal to live this way."

In moments of extreme stress Dr. Smith said the human body releases the hormone cortisol -- responsible for the fight or flight reaction. That's an important tool for survival.

But, in extreme cases, like during this pandemic, people might feel that way for days. Smith said that much cortisol can actually weaken the immune system making it more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.

"What happens when that cortisol is up high all the time it effects the access of the other hormones and chemicals in your body and overstresses them," said Dr. Smith.

Here's the problem: Most people can't just shut off worry. But, there are things you can do. Dr. Smith said to reach out to family or friends by Zoom, Skype or phone ... and talk about it.

Find the things that help you relax ... a warm bath or music ... anything to take your mind off COVID-19.

Dr. Smith says in some case there are those who will need more. That's when you seek the help of a medical professional for counseling and possibly medications to help with anxiety.