Acute stress can have what effect on the immune system?

• A. Suppress the immune system
• B. No effect
• C. Activate the immune system
• D. Cause autoimmune disease

Answer: (C)

When the body encounters acute stress, the fight-or-flight response kicks in and releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This rapid surge mobilizes immune cells and ramps up inflammatory signals, temporarily boosting immune readiness to handle potential injury or infection. So, in the short term, the immune system is activated rather than suppressed or left unchanged. Chronic stress, by contrast, tends to dampen immune function, which is why prolonged stress can lead to more infections. Autoimmune disease is not an immediate result of acute stress, and a lack of effect isn’t accurate because there is a measurable, short-term immune response.