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Exercise May Help Fend Off Colds

(CBS) - You want to avoid colds this winter?  Consider exercise.

According to a new report from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the average adult in the United States can expect to have a cold two to four times a year, but those who are physically active have fewer and milder colds.

Bouts of exercise can increase the number of circulating immune cells. This can effectively attack bacteria and viruses, and potentially reduce the  chances of getting the common cold.

People who reported being physically active for five or more days a week had fewer sick days and less severe symptoms of respiratory infection than people who reported less than one day of physical activity per week.

Reported by Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio

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