You've likely had dozens of colds throughout your life, and while they are often annoying it isn't usually enough to stop you from your day-to-day routine. Although going to work or school isn't usually a problem with a common cold, you may need to assess your symptoms and take extra precautions before getting in your regular workout while feeling under the weather.
Cold Symptoms
The common cold typically causes a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing. Symptoms can vary depending on which of the more than 200 cold viruses causes your illness, MedlinePlus reports. Other possible symptoms include coughing, headaches, a sore throat and post-nasal drip. In general, a fever, aches and pains and congestion in the chest and lungs do not accompany a cold in adults and more typically develop with the flu. Young children do, though, sometimes have a low-grade fever with a cold.
Cold Treatment
Antibiotics will not clear up a cold because it is a viral infection, not a bacterial infection. However, over-the-counter medicines such as decongestants, pain relievers, antihistamines and cough medicines can help reduce the bothersome symptoms you experience, the Ohio State University Medical Center reports. You should also try to get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold. The rest will help your body's immune system fight off the infection and allow you to recover more quickly, and the fluids will replace some of the fluids your body loses through increased mucus production.
Determining Whether to Exercise
Although you should try to get extra rest when you come down with a cold, you don't have to quit working out until you feel 100 percent again. Health.com recommends that you use the neck test to determine whether you are well enough to exercise. If your symptoms generally are confined to areas above your neck -- such as a runny nose and a sore throat -- feel free to work out if you're up for it. Symptoms below the neck, such as chest congestion and an achy feeling, more likely indicate the flu or a more serious illness and mean you should skip exercising until you feel better.
Exercising With a Cold
Even if you pass the neck test, you should take certain precautions when exercising with a cold. First, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, Health.com suggests. This is especially important because the symptoms you experience and medicines you take to combat them may cause you to become dehydrated more easily. And if you're not up for it, take a day off from exercise, or at least scale back your workout to something you can easily manage with your symptoms. Finally, if you work out at a gym or fitness center be courteous of others and take steps not to spread the infection. Wipe down gym equipment carefully and wash your hands frequently.
