In one very interesting study on mice, a regimen of moderate exercise started shortly after infection with a high dose of influenza A doubled the survival rate. 82 percent of mice in the exercise group survived versus 43% of the sedentary control group.

Both groups were obviously infected, and symptoms like weight loss were not different between the groups. Yet the mice that exercised survived at much higher rates. Mice that exercised for prolonged periods did not have an improved rate of survival. PMID:15922557 (cache)

This research raises some interesting questions. How does moderate exercise change body chemistry and improve response to influenza? Would this work for H5N1? Would humans respond the same way?

One study in humans found that exercise significantly reduced TNF in the post-workout period when cells were stimulated, provided the workout (cycling) was carried out at moderate temperatures. When the participants cycled at high temperatures (above body temperature), TNF was increased. 16061150 (cache)

Many other studies document an increase in cytokines with high intensity exercise, while moderate, regular exercise reduces cytokines.

Antioxidants have also been shown to reduce the spike in cytokines that occur after intensive exercise. PMID:12571133 (cache)

In general, reactive oxygen species (free radicals) encourage a cytokine storm, while antioxidants can often prevent or reduce such inflammatory cascades. While exercise or antioxidants alone may not be enough to treat influenza (or H5N1 in particular), they may offer real support.

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