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Like it or not cold and flu season is in full swing. Some of the best ways to prevent catching those germs is by washing your hands often and keeping household surfaces clean.

But a study published in “Scientific Reports” found regular exercise strengthens the body’s immune system to better fight off infections.

“When you go to the gym to work out or you pump iron or get your heart rate up it causes a little bit of stress in the body, which damages it a little bit which causes a stress response and there is an immune response associated with that.” Says Jennifer Heisz from McMaster University.

Exercise causes inflammation in the body and we usually think of fever, redness and swelling when we think of inflammation, but it could also be a good thing.

Researchers say regular exercise creates a more developed and effective immune response. A healthy level of inflammation helps the body fight off sickness but too much can actually be counterproductive.

Regular exercise not only helps keep the infections at bay, but also improves mental health. Just another reason for people to lace up their runners and head to the gym.