Final answer:
Chronic stress has been found to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections such as the common cold. Research in psychoneuroimmunology supports the connection between long-term stress and weakened immunity. Pregnant women, such as the fictional patient Jeni, are particularly vulnerable due to naturally downregulated immune systems during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stress experienced by patients that make them more susceptible to viruses, like the common cold, is typically chronic stress. This kind of stress differs from short-term stress as it may inhibit immune responses in otherwise healthy adults. Chronic stress affects both innate and adaptive immune responses, which are crucial for fighting off infections. It is linked to a suppression of the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of disease, as observed in studies where individuals managing long-term stressors such as bereavement or caregiving are more vulnerable to illnesses.
Significant research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has revealed that chronic stressors can impact immunity. For example, in the case of pregnant women, such as the patient Jeni, their immune system is already downregulated, making infections like Listeria monocytogenes more risky. Moreover, certain stress-related studies have shown that individuals with high levels of stress are more likely to develop illnesses after being exposed to viruses, supporting the notion that stress can weaken the body's immune defense.