Scientists have found a possible link between regular exercise and a lower chance of catching the influenza virus. The results come from a survey in the UK by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The flu survey is conducted every year and is now in its fifth year. Each week people taking part are asked if they are feeling any flu-like symptoms. They are also asked some questions about their lifestyle, such as “How often do you exercise?” or “How much contact do you have with children?”

This year over 4,800 people took part in the survey. The results suggest that people who do 2 and 1/2 hours of vigorous exercise a week are 10% less likely to catch the flu. Vigorous exercise includes activities such as running, fast cycling, and sports such as football or rugby. It has long been known that exercise helps to prevent long-term health problems. However, this is the first time that a link has been seen between exercise and short-term illnesses such as the flu. The survey also found that light exercise such as walking or slow jogging had little or no effect on the risk of catching the flu. Dr. Alma Adler from the university behind the survey was positive about the findings but said that they “need to treat this result cautiously as these are preliminary findings”. He also said that they “really show the health benefits of exercise” and that “exercise is something that everyone can do to reduce your chance of having flu”.

Scientists have found a link between exercise and a lower chance of catching the influenza virus. The results come from a survey in the UK by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The university runs the survey every year. Each week the university asks people if they feel like they have the flu. They also ask questions about people’s daily life. For example “How often do you exercise?” or “How much contact do you have with children?”

This year over 4,800 joined the survey. The results suggest that people who do 2 and 1/2 hours of heavy exercise a week are 10% less likely to catch the flu. Heavy exercise includes activities like running, fast cycling, and football or rugby. We have known for a long time that exercise helps to stop long-term health problems. However this is the first time we have seen a link between exercise and short-term problems. The survey also found that light exercise such as walking did not stop people catching the flu. Dr. Alma Adler from the university behind the survey was positive about the findings. However he also said that they need to be careful as they are only the first results. He also said that they “really show the health benefits of exercise” and that “exercise is something that everyone can do to reduce your chance of having flu”.