With cold and flu season starting earlier than usual in many parts of the country, a biochemist and immunologist is drawing attention to the role that emotional stress and unresolved trauma play in weakening the body's defenses against seasonal illness. Dr. Judith A. Swack, originator of the Healing from the Body Level Up™ (HBLU™) methodology, says psychological stress can suppress immune function and trigger low-grade inflammation, leaving people more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other infections.
"Many people catch upper respiratory infections in winter. They assume it's just a virus that's going around," Dr. Swack says. "It has been my experience, however, that people get sick for only two reasons: They are physically run down (i.e. not enough rest, nutrition, or exercise) or, more commonly, they had a traumatic shock 24-72 hours prior." That shock could come from unexpected bad news, revisiting a painful memory, family conflict during the holidays, or financial stress—events that activate the body's fight-flight-freeze response.
The physiological mechanism is well documented. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that psychological stress can suppress immune function, while a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences links stress to low-grade inflammation. Elevated stress hormones, including cortisol, can temporarily reduce immune activity, creating an opportunity for viruses already circulating in the body to gain the upper hand. For businesses and communities, that means the early flu season could translate into more sick days and lower productivity if stress isn't managed.
Dr. Swack, author of "Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck," teaches practical techniques to help calm the nervous system. She will present a "Clear Trauma Now Live Healing Webinar" on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 12, and 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., with details available at hblu.org/live-healing-experience. The sessions are designed to help participants recognize how unresolved trauma can continue to activate the nervous system long after the original event has passed, and to offer simple mind-body techniques people can practice after upsetting events to restore calm.
Dr. Swack's broader work integrates biomedical science, psychology, hypnosis, NLP, applied kinesiology, energy psychology, and spiritual techniques. She has presented her results on national television and at international conferences and has published in scientific, professional, and popular journals. More information about her methodology is available at HBLU.org, and her online press kit can be found at drjudithswack.onlinepresskit247.com.
The timing of Dr. Swack's message matters because the early start to flu season may catch individuals and employers off guard. By addressing stress and trauma as part of a broader health strategy, people may be better positioned to maintain immune resilience during the months ahead. As flu activity climbs, the connection between mind and body offers a complementary approach to traditional prevention measures.
