Skip to main content

Give your flu shot a boost

John Aaron, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Although flu shots are a good line of defense against the virus, they’re far from perfect.

But there could be a way to boost their effectiveness. Exercise, in the right amount, might amplify the flu vaccine’s effect.

According to The New York Times, a study at Iowa State University found that people who went on a 90-minute jog or bike ride just after getting their flu shot saw their antibody response double compared to those who sat idle.

However, a study on mice found that longer periods of exercise might actually reduce immune response.

More research is needed, but for those feeling healthy, 90 minutes of exercise after a flu shot might be worth considering.

Related Stories:

Follow @JohnAaronWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
Read Next Story