6 Minute English / Can we boost the immune system?

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Hello, this is 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I'm Georgie.

And I'm Neil. In this programme we're talking about the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against getting ill. Now, Georgie, is there anything you do to boost your immune system?

Yes. I try to eat lots of oranges, which apparently have lots of vitamin C, and there are lots of things people do to try to improve their immune system, and stay healthier, like eating certain foods, taking vitamins, or even activities like swimming in cold water. We'll find out how useful some of these techniques are in today's programme.

But first, Georgie, a question. We all know the common cold now, that s the illness that makes you cough and sneeze, have a sore throat and headache. But how many colds does the average adult get in the UK each year? Is it:

a) 2-3?b) 4-5? Orc) 7-8?

Eight would be a lot. I'm going to go with a) 2-3 colds a year.

Well, we'll find out at the end of the programme if you're right. Now, many people can become ill over the winter with diseases like colds, flu and Covid-19. Host of BBC Radio 4 programme Inside Health, James Gallagher, gathered some experts to talk about immune systems, and he started off by asking whether they'd had more illnesses than usual this winter.

Hello! [Hi.] Right, how has everyone been this winter? Because I've had a rotten one and I have felt constantly ill since about November. John?

I have not had anything yet, touch wood.