Avoid running and avoid a runny nose

Marathon runners may be as vulnerable as couch potatoes when it comes to catching a cold.

On the other hand, exercise in moderation strengthens the body’s defences against nose and throat infections such as the common cold, flu and sinusitis, according to an expert from the University of Loughborough.

But too much exercise might be as bad as too little for the immune system.

Different levels of exercise significantly increase or decrease the chances of catching an upper-respiratory tract infection, said Professor Mike Gleeson.

Physical activity helps determine individual susceptibility to infection along with other factors such as genetics, stress, nutrition and sleep, he told the Association for Science Education conference at the University of Liverpool.