A study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science shows that depression, stress, loneliness and harmful weakness habits can damage the body ‘s immune system and reduce the suitability of specific antibodies.
The report suggests that the same could be valid for the new Covid-19 vaccines being developed and the initial stages of worldwide distribution.
Fortunately, it may be possible to reduce these negative effects with simple measures such as exercise and sleep. Vaccines are among the safest and most effective advances in medical history, protecting society from a wide range of otherwise destructive diseases, including smallpox and polio. The key to their success, however, is to ensure that an emergency percentage of the population is effectively vaccinated for so-called herd protection.
Even though rigorous testing has shown that the Covid-19 vaccines approved for distribution in the United States are highly effective in eliciting a strong immune response, not everyone. get full benefit immediately. Environmental factors, as well as a person’s genetics and physical and mental health, can weaken the body’s immune system, slowing down the response to vaccines.
This is especially troubling because the novel coronavirus continues to rage around the world, creating a cohesive mental health crisis as people face loneliness, economic pressures, and insecurity. certainty about the future. These challenges are the only reasons previously shown to weaken the effectiveness of vaccines, especially among the elderly.
“In addition to the physical tax of Covid-19, the pandemic has a mental health role, causing anxiety and depression, among many other related problems. Emotional stresses like this can affect the immune system person, adversely affecting his ability to keep off diseases, “said Annelise Madison, a researcher at Ohio State University and lead author of the paper.
“Our new study sheds light on the effectiveness of vaccination and how changing health behaviors and emotional pressures can alter the body’s ability to develop an immune response. The problem is that the disease could spread itself. increasing these risk factors. “
Vaccines work by challenging the immune system. Within hours of vaccination, there is a textured, generalized immune response at the cellular level as the body begins to recognize a potential biological hazard. Ultimately this anti-inflammatory response by the immune system helps to produce antibodies, which target specific pathogens. It is the continued production of antibodies that will help determine how effective a vaccine is in providing long-term protection.
“In our research, we focus heavily on antibody response, although it is only one component of the immune system response,” said Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at State University Ohio and senior author of the paper.
The good news, according to the researchers, is that the Covid-19 vaccines that are already in circulation are around 95% effective. Nevertheless, these psychological and behavioral factors can shorten the time it takes to develop immunity and can shorten immune time.
“What makes me happy is that while some of these factors are variable, it’s possible to do some simple things to increase the initial effectiveness of the vaccine,” Kiecolt-Glaser said.
Based on prior research, one strategy the researchers recommend is to engage in vigorous exercise and get a good night’s sleep in the 24 hours before the vaccination so that your immune system is working. at high performance. This may help ensure that the best and strongest immune response occurs as quickly as possible.
“Preliminary research suggests that psychological and behavioral interventions may improve vaccine response. Even short-term interventions can be effective. Therefore, now is the time for those who are at risk for identifying an adverse immune response and intervening on those risk factors, “Madison said.
