FLU SHOTS: Yes, they do work. Rose and I just got our shots yesterday (free) at Walgreen’s. Because sniffle-causing viruses vary from year to year, you may not be able to achieve complete immunity, but even if you do catch the flu this winter, symptoms should be less says David C. Niemann, Dr.PH of Appalachian State University. Dr. Niemann and I wrote an article for Runner’s World back in the 1990’s on how to avoid the common cold and other respiratory illnesses. I’ve been following his advice ever since. As this linked article from the American College of Sports Medicine quoting Dr. Niemann says, “moderate exercise (30 minutes a day, on most, if not all, days of the week) actually lowers the risk for respiratory infections. Prolonged, intense exercise, on the other hand, can weaken the immune system and allow viruses to gain a foothold and spread.” That’s an important message for those of you about to run a fall marathon, or with one in your rearview mirror. Dr. Niemann did some of the pioneering research years ago on runners in the Los Angeles Marathon showing that we weaken our immune systems during the high-mileage weeks leading up to the race. (Yes, Week 15 hurts.) The 3-week taper allows us to recover somewhat, then running the marathon itself lowers immunity, ergo more risk of respiratory ailments immediately afterwards. How to prevent all this? Some good information is included in the linked ACSM article. And please, trust me: Get your flu shots this fall! I understand that not all of you agree with this advice, but I believe strongly that getting shots is an important preventative strategy for avoiding the flu this winter.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:04:48 +0000
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