Skip to main content

Building Psychoneuroimmunity as a Preventative Strategy for COVID-19

Media outlets have highlighted COVID-19 as a unique threat, subjecting individuals to anxiety, panic, stress, and the potential for hysteria, regardless of the virus being a real or perceived threat (1). Compared to general populations, COVID-19 has proven to be more fatal for those with underlying physical illness, serious mental illness, and those in assisted living. Patients institutionalized in a closed psychiatric unit in Korea experienced a higher mortality rate (7%) than the general Korean population (1%). The unit housed 103 patients, to which 102 tested positive to the virus (1). COVID-19 not only poses serious pathophysiological concerns but psychosocial impediments as well. Acute psychological stress is associated with an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6, the same pro-inflammatory cytokines released by COVID-19 (2). Current COVID-19 therapies address symptomatic treatment, however a critical strategy to reduce infection rate and mortality is prevention (1). Studies show that addressing the psychosocial aspect of this virus and increasing psychoneuroimmunity with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and strong social connection can boost the immune system. Social distancing and wearing masks will help limit pathogen exposure, however, it is imperative that a variety of psychological support systems be implemented to increase individual resilience and immunity.