[Can Stress Interact with SARS-CoV-2? A Narrative Review with a Focus on Stress-Reducing Interventions that may Improve Defence against COVID-19].

Peters, Eva Milena Johanne; Schedlowski, Manfred; Watzl, Carsten; Gimsa, Ulrike

OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic is on the rise and causes many concerns and fears in the population as well as among medical care givers. This raises the question as to how psychosocial stress associated with the pandemic can be managed, and also if certain forms of stress can contribute to an increase in infections and critical illnesses. METHODS Against the background of the current state of research on stress and the immune response, we provide a narrative review of studies addressing the question as to how stress can influence the immune defence against viral diseases. RESULTS Excessive stress can compromise the barrier function of the airways and alter neuroendocrine control of immune function, which can create a virus-permissive immune response. DISCUSSION Because certain forms of stress can play a role in the successful immune defence against viral respiratory disease, it is important to identify people with high psychosocial stress and to help them manage their stress. Conclusion Psychosocial measures that contribute to improved stress management may have a positive effect on the immune response against viral respiratory infections.