Researchers used the viral challenge paradigm, which exposes individuals to a virus to examine how psychological factors impact susceptibility to the illness and self-reported illness symptoms to assess if loneliness was a factor in infection sensitivity or symptom reporting.
Lonely participants were no more likely to be susceptible to acute infection; however, they reported more severe symptoms over the course of five days in quarantine, according to the study.
Clinicians should be aware that the quality of a patient’s social relationships is a powerful predictor of their acute illness experience, according to the study.
More articles on population health:
Though less addictive, e-cigarettes may cause as much DNA damage as tobacco cigarettes
Tech investor’s community health solution beginning to show results
44% of oncologists say genomics will be ‘very important’ to the field: 5 survey insights
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
