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Key Points
- If you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it's best to skip your workout, rest, and hydrate. If fever reducers fail to lower your temperature below 101, seek medical treatment.
- The Mayo Clinic suggests that it's generally safe to exercise if your symptoms are "above the neck", such as nasal congestion or a minor sore throat. However, consider lighter workouts like walking or yoga to avoid exacerbating your condition.
- If your symptoms are "below the neck", like chest congestion or muscle aches, it's advisable to rest and hydrate instead of exercising. Pushing through could potentially prolong the illness or make it worse.
- Both the Mayo Clinic and WebMD emphasize the importance of listening to your body. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and exercising may make some people feel worse.
- Regardless of the type of symptoms you're experiencing during cold and flu season, if they worsen when exercising, seek medical advice to determine if your condition has progressed to an infection.
More and more people are eating healthier and participating in daily
exercise plans. Even the healthiest of people can catch a cold or the
flu, and then wonder if they should exercise when they are hit by these
viruses. Here are four things you should ask yourself before working
out.
Do You Have a Fever?
WebMD recommends if you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, skip the work out. In their interview with Lewis G. Maharam, a New York sports medicine expert, WebMD asked the doctor about exercising with a fever, "The danger is exercising and raising your body temperature internally if you already have a fever, because that can make you even sicker."
Instead of
hitting the gym or your yoga class, drink plenty of fluids and take a
fever reducer that will also help with body aches. Rest is also
essential so snuggle up in your pajamas. If your fever reaches 103
degrees Fahrenheit or fever reducers are not lowering the fever below
101 degrees Fahrenheit, head to an urgent care for medical
treatment.
How Sick Is Too Sick?
The Mayo Clinic offers some good tips on how to determine if you're too sick to work out. A bad flu may prevent working out due to aches, pains, and fever but for a cold without a fever, "exercise may even help you feel better by opening up your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion," said Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Edward R. Laskowski.
Dr. Laskowski
says a good rule of thumb is if your symptoms are "above the neck" it's
probably okay to exercise. These symptoms include nasal congestion,
runny nose, sneezing and minor sore throat. However, he also says
switching from a tough workout to a walk, yoga, or Pilates routine will
still gain the benefits you want without making you feel worse.
Will Exercising Make Me Sicker?
As far as exercising making you sicker, if your symptoms are "below the neck," that means it's best to get some rest, sip on broths, and drink lots of fluids. Men's Health says symptoms below the neck include a hacking cough, chest congestion, chills, fever, muscle aches, and an upset stomach..
Dr. Ted Epperly told Men's Health, "you can't sweat your way back to health," and "you may inadvertently prolong the illness or make it worse." For example, if you do exercise with symptoms "below the neck" and find you're feeling worse, it may be best to head to a walk-in clinic near you to be examined by a family care physician.
What Does Your Body Say?
Both the Mayo Clinic
and WebMD say, "let your body be your guide." Not everyone has the same
severity of symptoms. Some people may feel worse after exercising, where
others won't. How the flu affects your body, seasonal flu types, and if
a cold has progressed to a sinus infection are all good reasons to
avoid exercising.
No matter what kind of symptoms you're having
during cold and flu season, if they get worse when exercising, don't
play with your health. Find a retail clinic staffed with medical
providers that can determine if your cold or flu has progressed to an
infection.
Frequently asked questions
Should I exercise if I have a fever?
No, if you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or above, it is recommended to skip your workout. Exercising with a fever can raise your internal body temperature and potentially make you sicker.What should I do if my fever reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit or if fever reducers are not lowering the fever below 101 degrees Fahrenheit?
If your fever reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit or if fever reducers are not lowering the fever below 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you should seek medical treatment at an urgent care center.Can exercise help alleviate symptoms of a cold?
Yes, if you have a cold without a fever, exercise may help you feel better by opening up your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.What are some symptoms that indicate it's safe to exercise?
If your symptoms are "above the neck" such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and minor sore throat, it's probably okay to exercise. However, it's recommended to switch from a tough workout to a lighter routine like walking, yoga, or Pilates.When should I avoid exercising when I'm sick?
If your symptoms are "below the neck" such as a hacking cough, chest congestion, chills, fever, muscle aches, and an upset stomach, it's best to rest, sip on broths, and drink lots of fluids.Can exercising make me sicker?
Yes, if you exercise with symptoms "below the neck" and find you're feeling worse, it may be best to seek medical attention. Exercising when you're sick may inadvertently prolong the illness or make it worse.How should I decide whether to exercise when I'm sick?
Both the Mayo Clinic and WebMD recommend letting your body be your guide. Not everyone has the same severity of symptoms. If you feel worse after exercising, it's best to avoid it.What should I do if my symptoms get worse when exercising during cold and flu season?
If your symptoms get worse when exercising, it's important not to risk your health. Seek medical attention at a retail clinic where medical providers can determine if your cold or flu has progressed to an infection.
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