Final answer:
Stress weakens the immune system and makes individuals more susceptible to illnesses. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on health, impairing growth and overall well-being. If you are already sick, the additional stress can further compromise your health.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you are stressed, your body diverts energy away from digestion, the immune system, and vital processes such as growth. You are more likely to get an upset stomach, headache, or become sick.
If the stress continues over a long period of time, your growth, maladjustment, and health is likely to be impaired.
Additionally, studies have shown that chronic stress weakens the immune system and makes individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
For example, in a study where participants were exposed to the cold virus, those who reported experiencing chronic stressors were considerably more likely to develop colds compared to those with no chronic stressors.
Therefore, if you are sick, it is likely that your health would be impaired further due to the underlying stress that often accompanies illness.