People Addicted to Internet Are Prone to Infections As It Reduces Immunity Levels

The more your addicted to internet, the more are the chances of catching cold and flu, says a new study.

"Those who spend a long time alone on the internet experience reduced immune function as a result of simply not having enough contact with others and their germs," explained one of the researchers Phil Reed, professor at Swansea University in Wales, Britain.

People addicted to net may feel stressed after disconnecting from the internet. This stress may alter the levels of cortisol, a hormone that impacts immune function.

Researchers evaluated 500 people aged 18 to 101 years old. People who used net excessively reported having more cold and flu symptoms than those people who did not use it excessively.

Previous research has shown that people who spend more time on the internet experience greater sleep deprivation, have worse eating habits and less healthy diets, engage in less exercise, and also tend to smoke and drink alcohol more. These behaviors too can harm their immune system and increase vulnerability to diseases.

"We found that the impact of the internet on people's health was independent on a range of other factors, like depression, sleep deprivation, and loneliness, which are associated with high levels of internet use and also with poor health," said Dr. Reed, Swansea University.

"It does not seem to matter what you use it for, if you use it too much, you are more susceptible to illness. However, the mechanisms responsible for you getting ill may differ, depending on how you use the net," said Dr. Roberto Truzoli from Milan University in Italy.

Source: Medindia