Exercise helps fend off colds and flu

Remember the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Here's a modern twist: "A bit of exercise every day may keep the doctor away."

Researchers from Appalachian State found the more physically active people were -- the fewer colds they got during the fall and winter months. And when they did get colds -- their symptoms were less severe than more sedentary people.

Doctors say bouts of exercise can temporarily increase the immune system's response to potential viral invaders in the body.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.