A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that loneliness is contagious. The study said that loneliness can spread through social networks like a virus. And it is more pervasive among friends, and friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends, than among family members. John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago said that like the common cold, you catch loneliness from someone afflicted by it. A person's loneliness projected through his body language, facial expression and the way he speaks, may make those around him feel lonely too.

Loneliness is a subjective measure that researchers define as the degree to which someone feels isolated, or their perceived level of social isolation. Being alone and feelings of isolation go hand in hand.

The lonelier you are, the more chances you'll lose friends over time, which makes you more lonely and isolated. It's a vicious cycle.

The good news is, like the common cold, loneliness can be cured. And you should try to find a way out of loneliness. Studies have shown that lonely people are at a greater risk for mental and physical problems. Depression, alcoholism, obesity, heart disease, and a weakened immune system are just some of the effects you risk having when you suffer from long bouts of loneliness.