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Obesity Increases Flu Risk

May 12th, 2010

Obesity can limit the body’s ability to develop immunity to influenza viruses by inhibiting the immune system’s ability to “remember” how it fought off previous bouts of illness, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Obesity is as much a risk factor for H1N1 strains of flu as compromised immunity and age (very young or very old). Nutrition researchers in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health have shown that obesity is associated with the body’s inability to develop protective influenza-specific memory T cells.

These cells are generated by the body during an initial influenza infection. They protect against a second infection by targeting proteins common among most strains of influenza viruses. Leaner individuals are capable of developing the infection-fighting T cells and warding off a second bout of influenza.

During flu season, health-care practitioners often see obese patients who struggle more with influenza viruses than leaner patients. Some researchers and doctors have speculated that excess fat constricts lung volume, or that obesity causes chronic inflammation, which influences the immune response.

 “Our work suggests that obese people should be considered at high risk for infection,” says Erik Karlsson, lead study author and nutrition doctoral candidate. “This kind of novel research could influence public health by changing our views of what the risk factors of obesity are,” Karlsson said. “The risks are potentially much more complicated than we’ve thought.”

Avoid catching flu and colds by:

·      Hand washing to keep the germs that cause cold and flu at bay.

·      Drinking lots of water. Water flushes body toxins out and rehydrates.

·      Getting fresh air. Spend time outside daily and exercise.

·      Keeping a nutritionally balanced diet.

·      Getting adequate sleep to restore the immune system.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can effectively treat the flu and common cold without the use of over-the-counter medications, which can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Acupuncture can aid in prevention of worsening of flu and colds if treated in early stages. Acupuncture strengthens the immune system by increasing humoral and cellular immunity and reduces symptom discomfort.

For more information about acupuncture for flu and cold prevention call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. 

 

 

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