How does drinking affect the immune system and illness risk?

How does drinking affect the immune system and illness risk?

• A. It weakens the immune system
• B. It strengthens the immune system
• C. No effect on immune system
• D. It causes fever

Answer: (A)

Drinking, especially in large amounts or over time, can weaken the immune system and raise the risk of illness. Alcohol can blunt the work of immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, making it harder for the body to respond to invading pathogens. It can also alter the signaling that immune cells rely on (cytokines) and damage protective barriers in the gut and airways, which pathogens use to gain entry. Sleep disruption and poorer nutrition often accompanying heavy drinking further compromise immune defenses. The combined effect is a higher likelihood of infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia, and a slower recovery when illness occurs. Fever isn’t something caused directly by drinking; it’s a sign of infection or inflammation, whereas alcohol mainly undermines the body’s defenses.

Drinking, especially in large amounts or over time, can weaken the immune system and raise the risk of illness. Alcohol can blunt the work of immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, making it harder for the body to respond to invading pathogens. It can also alter the signaling that immune cells rely on (cytokines) and damage protective barriers in the gut and airways, which pathogens use to gain entry. Sleep disruption and poorer nutrition often accompanying heavy drinking further compromise immune defenses. The combined effect is a higher likelihood of infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia, and a slower recovery when illness occurs. Fever isn’t something caused directly by drinking; it’s a sign of infection or inflammation, whereas alcohol mainly undermines the body’s defenses.