It leaves us bed-bound for days.

But not only does the flu rinse your body of its last remaining energy, it also increases the risk of depression, scientists claim.

And coughs, colds and stomach bugs could all have the same effect, according to new research.  

Drugs for minor infections interfere with the make-up of bacteria in the intestines - known to increase the risk of mental disorders, experts believe.

Previous studies have shown that patients who are hospitalised with severe infections have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and depression. 

But Danish researchers found a correlation between all infections that require treatment - even minor ones - and mental disorders. 

They studied the effects of people treated with antibiotics, antiviral drugs and medicines to combat fungal diseases and parasites.

They then assessed their subsequent risk of schizophrenia and depression to determine if infections could impact mental health.

Of those who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, 17.4 per cent had been hospitalised with their infection.

While this was the same for 18.7 of those suffering from depression, according to the researchers from Aarhus University.

While the remaining cases were found to be treated through a GP for their illnesses, suggesting the link between minor infections.

And the risk was found to be higher depending on the number of infections they had suffered from, the study published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica found.  

Study author Ole Köhler-Forsberg said it was possible that drugs directly effect the composition of the intestine - known to have close links to the brain.

While genetics could also explain the findings, with some people at higher risk of falling victim to both infections and a mental disorder. 

He added: 'Our primary finding was that the risk of both schizophrenia and depression was increased in those who had infections.

'Both the non-severe infections that are treated by someone's own GP and the severe infections that require hospitalisation. 

'The risk was increased in a dose-response correlation, which means that the risk was higher depending on the number of infections.'