Abstract
Infectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, are illnesses caused by invasive pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Psychosocial factors (including life stress, mood, social support, and coping responses) have been shown to influence the acquisition of infections such as the common cold, and the activation of latent infections such as genital herpes. Coping styles have also been shown to affect the course of infectious illness and the duration of symptoms. Several mechanisms are involved in mediating these effects, including the suppression of the individual's immune defenses, changes in the reporting of symptoms, and health-related behaviors such as smoking and physical activity.