Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that infects your respiratory system and often spreads to other parts of your body. Flu usually comes on suddenly and is quite contagious, lasting anywhere from a couple of days to over a week. Having the flu will necessitate changes in your lifestyle. It is common for people with the flu to miss school or work; your exercise habits may also be affected. Consult your doctor about exercising while you have the flu.
Symptoms
The flu can seem like many different ailments wrapped up into one. In a typical flu infection, you may experience fever, chills, congestion, cough, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and muscle aches.
Exercise as Prevention
Regular exercise helps your white blood cells move into your bloodstream from your organs to fight disease, the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia explains. Exercising regularly boosts your immune system and will help you avoid the flu, particularly when combined with other prevention methods like frequent hand washing and flu shots. Exercises that can help keep yourself healthy include walking, running, swimming, biking, weight training or any activity that you can do for at least 30 minutes on most days.
The Neck Rule
Sometimes your best efforts to prevent getting the flu simply aren't enough. On its website, the IDEA Health and Fitness Association relates the neck rule of exercising with illness: If you have symptoms above the neck --- like headache, stuffy nose or sore throat --- it is OK to continue with regular exercise. Symptoms below the neck --- like chest congestion, nausea and diarrhea --- should have you taking some time off to recuperate. Flu symptoms often appear above and below the neck.
Considerations
Use common sense when you make the decision to exercise or not when you have the flu. If your symptoms are above the neck but are severe, it is best to wait. Keep your body hydrated with water and other fluids when you are sick to get better faster. Take your time getting back to your normal exercise if you have to take some time away.
