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 Scat! Vamoose! Bug off! If only it were that easy to get rid of those nasty flu bugs that lurk everywhere—doorknobs, keyboards, phones. Things you touch every day. Flu is definitely a hands-on kind of experience. Thus the first line of defense: 
Wash your hands. Use soap and warm water before meals or after contact with sick people. Meanwhile, keep your hands away from your face. Most bugs sneak in through the mucous membranes in your nose, eyes, or mouth. If your doctor agrees, exercise regularly. Studies suggest that regular exercise boosts the immune system. But don’t overdo. Hormones secreted during killer workouts can suppress immunity for up to 24 hours. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep-deprived zombies have fewer natural killer cells to fight off the invaders. Listen to a sonata a day—or whatever style of music appeals. A study at the University Hospitals of Cleveland suggests that music therapy significantly increases levels of immunoglobulin A—antibodies that help defend against infection. Find ways to reduce stress. Stress increases levels of cortisol, which in turn can reduce the number of fighter white cells. Socialize. A study at Carnegie Mellon University found that people with strong social relationships had fewer colds and 20% greater immune function than introverts. Laugh a lot. According to Lee S. Berk, Ph.D., Loma Linda University School of Medicine, laughter can decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells. Think positively. A study of first semester law students found that those who were optimists at the beginning of the semester had more helper T-cells at mid-semester. |
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links: Where the germs are According to ABC News and Men’s Health, on Laundromat washing machines, toilet seats, the bottom of your shoe, money, gym benches, hotel beds, your dog, public swimming pools, public pay phones, kitchen sponges, etc. How your immune system works From antibodies to killer T-cells, this cool How Stuff Works feature explains it all in plain English. Exercise and immunity Includes details about an exercise study where women who walked 45 minutes daily had half the number of colds as non-exercising women. Stay in the game  Sports Illustrated article on exercise and immunity. Natural killer cells need a good night’s sleep Doctor’s Guide report on a study from the University of Pittsburgh that looked at the effects of sleep loss on immune function. When stress makes you sick What the latest research says about how stress affects your immune system and general health. Studies show social ties can alter immune system News release about studies conducted by Bruce S. Rabin, M.D., Ph.D. psychiatry professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Prescribing a healthy social life Hippocrates article with the latest research on how positive social connections improve health. Humor as healer
Article from the American Psychological Association that explores humor as an adjunct to therapy.  Should people with
CPT deficiency get annual flu shots? Visit A
shot in the arm. Can certain foods
help protect you from the flu? Visit Digest
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