Exercised lately? Chances are if you’re an adult American, you’ve spent more time surfing Youtube or watching television instead of getting in 30 minutes of physical activity–something that many of us skip out on just because we’re “just not in the mood.”
But perhaps this will kick your butt into gear. According to a new report from the U.K., staying active just isn’t great for a trim waistline–it may also significantly reduce your risk of the flu.
Although spring is almost in full bloom, don’t forget your chances of getting the flu are still high.
“We’re really interested in the preliminary findings around fitness activity and flu-like illness, as exercise is something that everyone can do to reduce your chance of having flu,” says Dr. Alma Adler, a Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “We need to treat this result cautiously as these are preliminary findings, however they are consistent with findings for other conditions and really show the health benefits of exercise. Although many people have dodged the flu bullet this winter, flu can occur at any time, so taking advantage of the better weather is a great opportunity to get out and get fit to ward off flu this spring.”
Their Findings
Looking at more than 4,800 individuals who participated in the UK Flusurvey, a national yearly survey which examines people, their lifestyle habits, and incidences of the flu, researchers hadn’t intended on finding a connection between exercise and the flu–but after looking at the data, the evidence was hard to deny.
According to the data, those who practiced “vigorous exercise” became the sick least often–and generally had stronger immune systems compared to those who didn’t exercise as much.
“More than 4,800 people have participated in this year’s study so far, and these findings suggest that 100 cases of flu per 1,000 people could be prevented just by engaging in vigorous exercise,” reports the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, which originally reported on the finding in March. “No differences were found in rates of flu-like illness based on the amount of moderate exercise reported, so it may be that more vigorous exercise is needed to lower your risk.”
Moderate exercise, in this case, refers to the intensity of exercise, and not necessarily the length of it. Exercises such as walking and swimming are considered moderate, as it takes little effort to do–and it usually doesn’t raise your heart rate too high.
But other exercises, such as sprint training or heavy weightlifting, are more likely to work your muscles and heart into overdrive, making them vigorous exercises. Unfortunately, not many people are willing to do these exercises–getting people to exercise in general is difficult enough as it is.
“If we want to get young people talking about science, we need to show why scientific study today directly impacts on their lives,” says Imran Khan, CEO of the British Science Organization. “This project, which involves children reporting and analysing topical data, really brings the issue to life and puts young people right at the heart of cutting-edge research today.”
In conclusion, they recommend that people should increase the intensity of their exercise to keep healthy–and to minimize their risk of flu. Although winter is commonly associated with flu spikes, so too is spring, often because people are less likely to protect themselves.
Readers: How else do you stop yourself from getting sick?
Sources:
Release: Vigorous Exercise may Reduce Risk of Influenza – LSHTM.ac.uk
News: Vigorous, Not Moderate, Exercise Key to Preventing The Flu – MedicalNewsToday.com
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