Larry King Live host Larry King is not only at higher risk of COVID-19 complications because of his age, but his past health concerns also will affect how his body might handle the virus. According to ABC News, King has dealt with multiple heart attacks, diabetes, and both prostate and lung cancer in recent years. All of these ailments would make King’s body more vulnerable in a COVID-19 attack.
There are also other factors to consider, like the fact that King cannot be with his family during this time, which can cause stress. According to some research, stress (particularly the stress hormone cortisol) can affect the body’s ability to handle COVID-19 as well, Vox reported in September 2020.
“High levels of cortisol are associated with poor [Covid-19] outcomes, and drugs that block the hormone seem to improve outcomes,” said Kavita Vedhara, a University of Nottingham professor of health psychology to Vox. Vedhara is currently conducting a study that examines how stress affects COVID-19. She told the outlet that more research needs to be done, but there is possibly a link between chronic stress and a higher risk of COVID-19 complications. “It fits with what we know about psychological stress generally, and in particular the evidence on stress and other viral infections,” she said.
We’re wishing King a speedy recovery from COVID-19 and hope that he can be reunited with his family again soon.
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