The NYT Well Blog reports on new research which indicates moderate exercise can lower one’s risk of contracting the flu, and the severity of flu symptoms as well.  Strenuous exercise, however, can make one more susceptible.  Laboratory experiments on mice infected with a flu virus showed more than half of mice who were sedentary died from the virus.  Over 70 percent of mice who exercised vigorously on treadmills died, while only 12 percent of the mice who exercised lightly passed away.  Scientists aren’t entirely sure why...

Diabetics are more susceptible to some of the more dangerous complications of both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1, also known as the swine flu. That’s why medical professionals and government agencies suggest diabetics get both types of flu vaccines. It’s also important to stay on top of blood sugar management since the illness can mask symptoms of either high or low blood sugar. U.S. News & World Report recently published an article containing a list of six things diabetics need to know about the flu: 1 – Be careful...

I just got my seasonal flu shot today (they’re available at Walgreens for $24.99) and as I watched the pharmacist plunge a surprisingly long needle into my upper arm — it’s intra-muscular, baby! — it occurred to me that it might be useful to post some information on flu vaccines and diabetes. First off, an important distinction: the seasonal flu shot  (the type I just got) is NOT effective against the H1N1 virus, which is more commonly known as swine flu.  However, you should still get it. It provides protection...