An enjoyable way to reduce stress and improve immunity.

Attractive Couple Wearing Sweaters Outdoors in the Park.

It is well accepted that stress can make us more susceptible to disease. The participants in the reviewed study were 404 adults who were exposed to a virus that causes a common cold(Cohen S,et al. 2014). They were monitored in quarantine to assess infection and signs of illness. It was found that perceived support protected against the risk of infection. What was very interesting was that more frequent hugs also resulted in less severe signs of illness. Maybe we should not worry about getting sick from being touched. We may, instead, run more of a risk of getting sick if we don't get touched. Hugs sounds like a nice prescription.