Monday, May 20, 2013

Exercise - colds and flu

Table of Contents

Definition


Alternative Names

Flu and exercise; Colds and exercise


Information

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.



Review Date: 10/30/2010
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)