Research: With new threats such as the H1N1 virus, people should take every precaution they can to stay healthy. At-risk populations should increase calories but not fat intake, eating foods high in protein and antioxidants.
Released February 5, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Flu season is upon us, and this year Americans face both seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. An estimated 36,000 people die from the flu annually, and several hundred thousand are hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When most people have the flu, the last thing they want to do is eat. However, research conducted by MAES nutrition immunology scientist Elizabeth Gardner suggests that consuming more calories during flu season could help ward off the virus and/or result in a speedier recovery.
--continued on Michigan State University news
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