in jeopardy, increasing the risk of colds and flu by 30%.
The recently released research study, which was conducted by Swansea
and Milan Universities, found that those who spend in excess of four
hours a day online for personal use, (over and above work) reported
more cold and flu symptoms than those who spend less time online. The
study involved 500 men and women between the ages of 18 and 100.
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – one of SA's
leading providers of colds and flu remedies – says SA's 24.9 million
internet users should take note.
"According to We are Social – an international social media and
marketing agency – South Africans already spend an average of five
hours a day online whether they're on a PC, laptop or tablet and on
top of that an additional three hours could be spent surfing the net
on their cellphones, which puts their immunity at even greater risk.
"Most internet addicts also have other bad habits that can suppress
their immune system and make them more susceptible to infection. These
include lack of sleep, eating too much junk food, not exercising
enough, and they tend to smoke and drink more alcohol compared to
those who are less concerned about being connected 24/7," she remarks.
In addition, the study found that those who are addicted to the
internet may experience even more stress when being unplugged from the
net, and that this cycle of stress and relief may lead to an increase
in cortisol levels.
"Cortisol is the stress hormone released by the adrenal glands, which
plays an important role in regulating the immune system," says van
Aswegen. "If you're experiencing a lot of stress – in this case as a
result of being disconnected from the web – your cortisol levels
remain elevated, which can lead to more regular infections, such as
colds and flu, chronic inflammation, allergies and even autoimmune
diseases."
