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BIRMINGHAM, England, Mar 2, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A University of Birmingham study suggests women engaged in physical or mental activity before receiving flu shots produce more antibodies than other women.
The finding supports the idea that, while chronic stress seems to suppress immune function, acute stress may enhance it.
"We're suggesting that the effect of stress could all be in the timing," said lead author Kate Edwards. "What we think is that the acute stress is activating the immune system; it's preparing it for a challenge."
The authors note the evidence remains preliminary, since the women's enhanced response only appeared with one of three flu strains and there was no evidence of the effect in men.
The study is detailed in the March issue of the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
