Brisk walk best way to prevent colds

MARATHON runners may be as unhealthy as couch potatoes when it comes to catching a cold it was claimed yesterday, as scientists revealed too much exercise might be as bad as too little for the immune system.

However, a regular brisk walk can keep winter colds and flu at bay. Moderate exercise strengthens the body’s defences against nose and throat infections such as colds, flu and sinusitis, according to Professor Mike Gleeson.

Different levels of exercise significantly increase or decrease the chances of catching an upper-respiratory tract infection (URTI), said Prof Gleeson, from the University of Loughborough.