An odd method for stimulating your immune system

The next time your doctor suggests you get a flu shot, ask him if you can look at some photos of sick people instead.

Pros: No needle, no mercury-based preservative

Cons: Looking at sick people might be kind of a bummer

But it just might boost your immune system too.

In a Canadian trial, subjects were shown photos of furniture. The next day they were divided into two groups. One group was shown photos of men aiming guns at the viewer. The other group saw photos of sick people.

Blood samples were taken from subjects before they viewed the furniture photos, and again after viewing photos the following day. Analysis showed a stronger immune response in the group that looked at photos of sick people.

Researchers believe this response might be an evolutionary adaptation that helps us survive epidemics, plagues, etc.

But chances are the immune response is short-lived, so for extended protection you might have to look at photos of sick people throughout the flu season. But don’t worry. I’m sure pretty soon there will be an app for that.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Sources:
“Mere Sight of Sick Person May Boost Immune System” HealthDay News, 4/29/10, healthday.com