Stress also releases hormones like cortisol that shut down and suppress your immune system, making it weaker and less able to do its job properly in a variety of ways. Wounds heal slower, infections are more likely to break out and to cause disease. Already present pathogens or diseases can no longer be held in check efficiently, leading to an outbreak of herpes, for example. Or in more serious cases, to a much faster progression of HIV. Chronic stress means a chronic release of cortisol, which generally slows your defense systems down.
