Can you believe that the holidays are upon us already?! While this can be a CRAZY time of year, I so look forward to visiting with family and friends. How about you? One visit you probably are not looking forward to though is a visit from the common cold. Adults experience on average 2-4 colds a year and children 6-10 with a higher prevalence during these fall and winter months¹. And the cost of this illness adds up. A study looking at the economic effects of the common cold estimated that $40 million are spent on doctor’s bills, over the courter medications, prescription drugs, and missed days at work¹. At the time of the release of the study, lead author A. Mark Frederick, M.D. stated, “Because there is no cure for the common cold it gets far less attention than many less common conditions. An intervention that would effectively prevent or treat the cold would have a huge clinical and economic impact, far greater than for chronic diseases that we hear about on a regular basis.”

Well that intervention and impact may have been found and it is in the form of exercise. You often hear those who are physically fit boast about how their active lifestyle protects them from illness and now, it appears that there is evidence to support this or at least that one’s perception of being physically fit does. A study published this month in the British Journal of Sports Medicine collected data on 1,002 men and women over 12 weeks in the fall and winter months². They monitored the occurrence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). In addition the subjects reported frequency of aerobic activity and rated their physical fitness level on a 10-point scale. They were also questioned about their lifestyle behaviors, dietary patterns, and stress levels. It was found that the number of colds among those who exercised five or more days per week was 46% less than those who only exercised one day or less per week. For those exercisers (five or more days per week) who did get a cold, the number of days they experienced cold symptoms was 41% lower  than those who only exercised one day or less per week. Additionally, their colds were 31% less severe. 

There were a few limitations to the study such as not controlling for exposure to cold germs at work or from children and the study used self-reported data about physical activity patterns versus actually measuring fitness levels. However, the results of this study are promising. The authors point to the immune system as a possible answer. Exercise activates the immune system and this effect can be seen every time you exercise so having consistent exercise patterns means having an immune system that is constantly on high alert. I don’t know about you but I will take it! There is also the possibility that perceived wellness which is common among exercisers may counter feelings of being sick. Many believe that the answer is probably both and that more work needs to be done to fully understand the effects exercise has on the immune system.

So what do you think? Have you noticed an IMPACT on your health from being an exerciser? We would love to hear about your experience so go to our Facebook page to post a comment. Also, visit one of our past blogs, Exercise Guidelines Cliff Notes, to be reminded of the recommended amounts and types of physical activity that are beneficial to our overall health.

¹ Fendrick AM, Monto AS, Nightengale B, Sarnes M (2003). The economic burden of non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infection in the United States. Arch Intern Med: 163 (4): 487–94.

² Nieman DC, Henson DA, Austin MD, Sha W (2010). Upper respiratory tract infection is reduced in physically fit and active adults. Br J  Sports Med: doi:10.1136/bjsm.2010.077875.