New Media Department             Yu Jie, Duan Yuqing             May 26, 2023

Respiratory tract infectious diseases, such as influenza and pneumonia, are a class of diseases that seriously endanger health and life.

Every year, seasonal influenza epidemics can cause 3-5 million severe cases and 290,000-650,000 respiratory disease-related deaths worldwide. Among Chinese adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (referring to pneumonia acquired outside the hospital, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the world), the virus detection rate is 15.0%-34.9%, and influenza virus takes the first place. Others include parainfluenza virus and rhinovirus , adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Influenza and pneumonia are so harmful to health and longevity, how can we improve our own protection and reduce the risk of death? According to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, regular aerobic exercise, commonly known as "cardio exercise," is associated with a significantly lower risk of death from flu and pneumonia, even at levels below the world's WHO recommended amount.

The World Health Organization recommends that adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or an equal combination of the two; at the same time, at least 2 days a week for strength training or resistance exercise .

The researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in the United States from 1998 to 2018, including nearly 600,000 (577,909) participants aged 18 and over, 52.2% of whom were female.

Through questionnaires, the researchers collected basic information about the participants, lifestyle information such as smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and diet; cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma disease history and treatment history information; and influenza and pneumococcal vaccination information within the past year, etc.

The researchers analyzed that the association between exercise and the reduced risk of death from influenza and pneumonia may be related to multiple factors.

Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of pneumonia, influenza and patient comorbidities; improves cardiovascular and pulmonary health; and boosts immunity, which is associated with better immune status.

The findings of this study suggest that we should develop the habit of regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, to meet the recommended amount of the World Health Organization, and reduce the risk of morbidity and death from non-communicable and infectious diseases. At the same time, flu vaccines should be vaccinated in time, and protective measures should be taken in daily life to reduce the infection and spread of influenza, including:

·Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits, cover mouth and nose with tissues, towels, etc. when coughing or sneezing;

·Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

· Eat a balanced diet and get enough rest;

·Avoid close contact with patients with flu symptoms;

·During the flu season, try to avoid going to crowded places.