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A hug a day may keep the sniffles away, new study suggests

If you’re worried about catching a cold, there’s a simple act that may protect you against the virus and help you feel better right away: hug someone.

Hugging can help prevent a cold virus or lessen symptoms in people who are already sick, according to a recent study published in Psychological Science.

We’re told to avoid sweaty, germy handshakes during cold and flu season, but the warm embrace of a close friend or loved one may actually improve immune system functioning, says Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University and lead author of the study.

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