Question 1

Why do some people never get sick?

Accepted Answer

Some people carry genetic mutations that block a virus from entering their cells, while others have immune memory from past infections or simply mount a fast, silent response that defeats the virus before symptoms appear. Sleep, diet, and low stress also strengthen immunity day to day.

Question 2

Can you be infected with a virus and have no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In some people the immune system clears a virus within hours, so quickly that standard tests stay negative. Others tolerate an active infection without feeling ill, and may still be contagious to others despite feeling perfectly healthy.

Question 3

Does lack of sleep make you more likely to get sick?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 2015 study by Aric Prather found that people sleeping under six hours a night were more than four times as likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus, compared with those sleeping seven hours or more.

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The People Who Don't Get Sick