Inside Health
Can you really boost your immune system?
Jan 28, 2025
Margaret McCartney, a resident GP and evidence-based medicine expert, joins John Tregoning, a vaccine immunology professor, and Eleanor Riley, an immunology and infectious disease professor. They discuss the reality behind popular immune-boosting trends, from cold water swimming to supplements.
28:05
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Quick takeaways
- While cold water swimming is popular for purported immune benefits, its true advantages may lie more in social interaction and stress relief than direct immune enhancement.
- Vaccination remains the most reliable method to boost immunity against specific diseases, highlighting the limited effectiveness of supplements like vitamin C for the general population.
Deep dives
The Immune System's Response to Infection
The immune system plays a crucial role in responding to infections, starting with an initial response when a virus, such as the flu, enters the body. The first exposure triggers innate immune responses that aim to inhibit virus replication, causing early symptoms like a sore throat and stuffy nose. As the virus replicates and spreads, more systemic symptoms manifest, such as fever and muscle aches. Understanding this infection arc highlights the intricate battle between pathogens and the body's defenses, emphasizing the vital role of an effective immune system.
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