[1] By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and downregulating metabolic processes which are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism.
[2] By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and downregulating metabolic processes that are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism.
[3][4][5][6] Stress hormones play a complex role in fighting diseases and infections, as they can have both positive and negative effects on the immune system.
[15][4][6] This viral strategy can have severe consequences for the host (human that is infected by the virus), as cortisol is essential for regulating various physiological processes, such as metabolism, blood pressure, inflammation, and immune response.
A lack of cortisol can result in a condition called adrenal insufficiency, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.