Regular Exercise Helps Reduce Flu Severity

A new study involving mice revealed regular moderate exercise ratcheted up the immune system’s response to the flu virus.

This helped reduce the severity of flu symptoms, and even lowered the risk of contracting a bad cold or flu infection.

Writing in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, scientists believe the benefits of moderate exercise bolster the part of the immune system that defends against viral attack.

However, exhausting workouts may make people more susceptible to flu infection.

In the study, mice regularly scampering on a treadmill for over 3 months developed less-severe symptoms when infected with the flu virus.

Also, when compared to couch potato mice, active mice had lower levels of inflammatory substances in their lungs, after being infected with the flu.

Given the current Swine Flu hysteria, experts insist this is another reason to incorporate regular exercise into your routine.

Via Reuters.

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