Illness and time zones

Elite athletes, like those competing at the London Olympics, might be more at risk of getting sick if they’ve had to go through at least 5 time zones.

A South African study examined illness rates among participants in an international rugby tournament from 2010.

Athletes were more likely to come down with respiratory and stomach illnesses if they had to cross 5 or more time zones before competition.

Researchers think changes in pollution, allergens and germs may be the key.