People with higher stress levels are more likely to die from Covid-19, suggests a new study. Covid-19 patients with extremely high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die, according to the research.
The study, by Imperial College London scientists, is the first to show that cortisol levels are a marker of the severity of the illness.
Researchers said such levels are "worryingly high" ranging as high as triple the levels after major surgery. But the findings could be used to identify those patients who are more likely to need intensive care and help manage the pressure on the NHS.