Just saw this chart/graph today from Training Peaks showing that moderate intensity exercise is better than no exercise (sendentary) for staving off the cold, flu, sore throat, etc. during the Winter season. But, that with intense exercise you're more at risk of infection. To me, this is obvious. It's all about a healthy immune system. If you're healthy and your immune system is working as it should, you'll most likely be able to stave off most colds, flus, etc. But, if you exercise at a high intensity level you're more susceptible. That's because you start to run your immune system down at high intensity levels. Even if you don't train intensely, it's still probably not a bad idea to get a flu shot. Flu shots are not a guarantee you won't get the flu, because when they develop the vaccine, they pretty much guess at what strain will be the most prevalent in your area when flu season rolls around- which is right about now. They manufacture this vaccine in late Summer, months before the flu season, so they have enough to go around and can get it to market on time. So, if they make strain A of the flu vaccine (and disseminate it and you get the flu vaccine shot), and they discover that strain B is the actual flu bug going around it will help but you're still susceptible to getting the flu.
Other than exercising at moderate intensity what else can we do to lower your risk of infection during the flu season? Here's a list:
1. Wash your hands often- with soap.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
3. Eat well.
4. Stay away from sick people.
5. Avoid sharing cups/utensils/water bottles/etc.
6. Avoid crowds, public venues, planes, trains, etc. if you can.
7. Avoid binge drinking or excessive alcohol consumption.
8. Wash your pillow case and bed sheets at least once per week.
9. Use two towels in the bathroom: 1 for your body and 1 for your face.
10. Use a humidifier if your house is too dry.
11. Hydrate often.
Power ON! Coach Rob
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