Physical Activity May Enhance Influenza Vaccine Effect

According to The New York Times, a series of studies presented by various institutions in the US have pointed out that the practice of exercise can potentiate the effects of influenza vaccine. Also, if the activity is performed within a certain range and involves an ideal amount of sweat, the results of potentiation may be even better, doubling our chances of not getting sick.

Although flu vaccines are one of the best alternatives to prevent the disease, the effectiveness rate is between 50 and 70%, depending on the amount of antibodies that the drug helps our body to produce. In addition, it is also a known fact that being in good physical shape can improve the functioning of the immune system by decreasing the body's response time in the event of an infection.

Vaccine and exercises

As such, some studies have been done to determine what might happen if the vaccine was given shortly before or after exercise, and the results were impressive. Researchers have found that even older people - who are part of one of the at-risk groups, along with children and pregnant women - can have their immune systems strengthened through frequent activity.

What's more, even those who are averse to exercise can also benefit from far less constant sessions. Studies have shown that it is not necessary to be a gym rat in order not to get sick. It takes 90 minutes of moderate activity - such as cycling or running - right after the flu shot for the effect to be enhanced, and its effectiveness is almost doubled in some cases.