A recent research study has found that one of the most inexpensive combatants against the flu isn’t something you find in an inoculation. In fact, it could be as simple as daily hugs. Sound crazy? Perhaps, but there may be truth to it.
The journal Psychological Science published a finding from a study in which 400 participants were asked to report their levels of social support, if they had been hugged that day, and if they were currently involved in some sort of tension with another person. The participants were then exposed to either the cold or flu virus.
Based on the findings, of the population that exhibited symptoms of illness, those who reported higher levels of social support and hugs had less severe symptoms. Study co-author Sheldon Cohen, professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon, said this may be due to the fact that touch and positive human connection may be an effective tool to protect our bodies from stressors such as illness.
So there you have it, a hug a day can help keep the flu away!
Read more about ways to fight the flu in our previous article.
Information gathered from Time.
