A recent study by British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals who engage in regular physical activity have a lower likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection, Covid-19 hospitalisation, severe Covid-related illness and death than physically inactive individuals. The study supports the immune-regulatory impact of physical activities.

When asked about the effects of exercise on an individual’s immunity, Dr Kirti Sabnis, infectious disease specialist, Fortis Hospital, says, “Moderately intense exercises can stimulate cellular immunity by increasing the circulation and recruitment of immune cells in the body. This helps the body to prepare for a future infection by detecting it earlier. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and indirectly helps in early recovery from illness.”