Does regular exercise stop you getting sick in winter?
Regular, moderate exercise can help reduce the risk of catching seasonal illnesses like the flu or a cold. However, exercise is not a cure for existing infections and intense workouts do not help 'sweat out' a virus.
Why it matters
Understanding the limits of exercise in immune health helps individuals manage expectations and maintain healthy habits without overexerting themselves during illness.
Think of exercise as a way to reduce your chances of getting sick rather than preventing it altogether.
Matthew Ahmadi , Joanne Caldwell Odgers and Nicholas Koemel for 28 July 2026 6 min read Caption: Does staying fit in winter help you fight cold weather ills? Photo credit: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash Winter has a way of making the office, train and school pick-up line feel like a giant petri dish of germs and potential infection. It’s also when many of us quietly let our exercise routine slide.
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