Exercise - colds and flu
Question:
Can exercise help you avoid colds and flus?
Answer:
Exercise helps the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body move from the organs into the bloodstream.
Overall, you can improve your immune system by eating a proper diet, getting enough rest, reducing stress, and exercising regularly. This will decrease your chances of getting a cold or the flu.
Even if studies find that exercise doesn't prevent colds or the flu, exercise is good for overall health.
Alternative Names
Flu and exercise; Colds and exercise
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Accessed October 30, 2010.
Chubak J, McTiernan A, Sorensen B, et al. Moderate-intensity exercise reduces the incidence of colds among postmenopausal women. American Journal of Medicine. 2006;119:937-942.
Martin SA, Pence BD, Woods JA. Exercise and respiratory tract viral infections. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2009;37:157-164.
Turner RB. The common cold. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone;2009:chap 53.
Updated: 4/30/2012
Reviewed by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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