PARIS (AFP) – Swine flu can infect cells deeper in the lungs than seasonal flu, thus helping to boost the severity of the illness, a study released on Thursday said.

The paper provides the first laboratory corroboration of reports from front-line doctors that some patients with a (H1N1) virus suffer worse symptoms compared to those with run-of-the-mill seasonal flu.

Influenza viruses penetrate cells by attaching themselves to molecules called receptors, located on the outside of the cell wall.

The virus’ docking spike and the receptor are like a key and a lock. some viruses only open a few cells, while others have something rather closer to a pass key, making it possible to infect a larger cell variety.

Once inside, the virus uses the cell’s machinery to replicate, eventually bursting the cell and going on to attack others.

Seasonal strains attach themselves almost exclusively to cells found in the nose, throat and upper airway, producing a some of influenza’s signature symptoms: runny nose, scratchy throat, a dry cough.

But the new research, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, shows that the new swine flu — by sticking to a greater range of receptors — can also breach cells deep in the lungs.

Lab-dish experiments were carried out by ten Feizi of Imperial College London and colleagues in which 86 different receptors were exposed to both seasonal and pandemic flu.

The seasonal strains only locked onto the kind of receptors found in the upper respiratory track.

But the swine flu virus was also able to latch onto receptors found deep inside the lungs, albeit more weakly. the adhesion results in a more severe lung infection.

Feizi spelt out the risk of what could happen if natural selection encourages viral strains that favour this deep-lung penetration.

"If the flu virus mutates in the future, it may attach to the receptors deep inside the lungs more strongly, and this could mean that more people would experience severe symptoms," said Feizi.

"we think scientists should be on the lookout for these kinds of changes in the virus so we can try to find ways to minimise the impact."

Using a statistical technique, epidemiologists sifting through data from other countries have found similarly disquieting patterns.

French epidemiologist Antoine Flahault has reported a 100-fold increase, compared to seasonal flu, in the number of swine flu deaths in Mauritius and new Caledonia attributed directly to the virus itself rather than secondary bacterial infections or underlying conditions.

Many of those deaths were caused by acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS), which requires intensive-care treatment for an average of three weeks. only 50 percent of ARDS patients survive.

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It’s the middle of winter and you are under attack by a silentenemy that invades your nose, throat and lungs, reducing you to asneezing, sniffling and aching mess.

Yes, the flu season is here again, ready to strike our bodiesand make us feel miserable for days or even weeks.according toCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza normallypeaksinthe United States in January and February, spreading likewildfire across the country.

“Along with the common cold, flu is the most contagiouscondition this time of year,” says Sara Oliver, CPT, owner of BayArea TX Adventure Boot Camp. “Unfortunately, it takes more than anapple a day or a bowl of chicken soup to keep these nasty virusesaway.”

But while we can’t stop the spread of influenza, we can avoidgetting sick by strengthening our defenses against the invadingviruses. In fact, there are several ways to increase our immunityagainst the flu, Oliver notes.

“Vaccination is the best protection, but there are otherpreventive measures you can take in addition to getting the shot,”she says. “Basically, it’s a matter of boosting your immune systemso it can stop viruses before they attack your body. this is whereexercise is very effective.”

Oliver points to recent studies showing that exercise createsdisease-fighting cells in the immune system, making it moreresistant to colds, flu, and illnesses in general. and, thesestudies have also reported that while brisk activity isrecommended, we don’t have to work out to the point of exhaustionin order to get the immunity benefits of exercise.

“Research proves that even people who work out moderately atleast 30 minutes five days a week, increase the number ofimmune-system cells that circulate in the body and kill viruses andbacteria,” she says.“These folks have 46 percent fewer colds thanthose who work out only once a week or not at all. and even if theydo get ill, their symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, coughing,and runny nose are much less severe.”

The message here is clear: “If you work out on a regular basis,your immune system will heal your body quicker, with fewercomplications,” Oliver points out. “Sometimes, simplest thingsreally do work best!”

Oliver adds that there are other good preventive measuresbesides exercise that protect our health during disease outbreaks.“For example, eating vitamin-rich foods, drinking plenty of water,washing our hands frequently, and avoiding crowded public placesthat are real germ-fests, will also help,” she says. “It all comesdown to common sense, good judgment, and a healthy lifestyle.”

About Bay Area TX Adventure Boot Camp:

Sara Oliver, CPT opened Adventure Boot Camp in the Bay Area inOct. 2006 and has expanded to include over 7 times and locations.Schedules and client testimonials are available atGetToBootCamp.com. Sara, a certified boot camp instructor with12 years of experience in the fitness industry, can be reached or 713-515-5081.