NEW research has found a way of potentially cutting the risk of dying by a significant margin.

Findings from a Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) study suggest that physical activity boosts the immune system and cuts the risk of dying from infections diseases including Covid-19 by 37%.

The risk of catching the deadly bug itself is cut by 31% by regular exercise and the effectiveness of vaccines was improved by up to 40%, the study found.

It has sparked a call from experts involved in the research to launch public health campaigns promoting physical activity as a means of battling coronavirus.

The findings come from a review, led by GCU’s Professor of Health Behaviour Dynamics Sebastien Chastin, of 16,698 world epidemiological studies published between 1980 and April 2020.

Just 150 minutes of exercise which leaves you mildly out of breath, such as running, cycling or strengthening exercise can have a “massive” impact on the risk of illnesses such as Covid-19, researchers said.

Prof. Chastin said: “This is the first piece of research that proves regular physical activity protects you against infectious disease.

Policymakers need to do everything they possibly can to fight this disease. This is not a panacea but another cheap tool we can use to protect the public.

“The promotion of physical activity and access for all to physical activity pursuit are paramount. Campaigns to inform the public of the benefit of physical activity in fighting the pandemic should be undertaken.”