Certain things can alter your exercise regimen, sometimes making it difficult to get back into your normal routine. Although you may not feel much like exercising while you have a cold or the flu, taking time off to rest may be difficult, especially if you are training for an event or competition. The extent of your illness and your symptoms are determining factors in deciding whether or not to exercise during an illness.
Cold vs. Flu
Although colds and flu may start out with similar symptoms, these are two different viruses. Symptoms are generally worse with the flu than with a cold. Common symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, dry cough and extreme tiredness. A bout of the flu may result in serious health problems including bacterial infections and hospitalization. Symptoms of a cold are generally milder and are sometimes limited to a runny or stuffy nose.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise can help move the disease-fighting white blood cells from your organs into your bloodstream. While this may be good for your health, the presence of certain symptoms indicates the need for rest, rather than exercise.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com recommends postponing your exercise if you have symptoms below your neck such as upset stomach, chest congestion and hacking cough. The presence of a fever, widespread muscle aches and general fatigue are also signs that rest is more important than exercise. However, if you just have a mild cold with minor symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and sore throat, you may still feel like working out, but perhaps at a reduced intensity.
Precautions
Listen to your body if you decide to exercise when you are sick. Although your symptoms may start out resembling a mild cold, they may progress and worsen. Because a bout of flu can lead to serious illness, it is important to discontinue your routine if your symptoms get worse. Even if your symptoms are limited to sniffling and sneezing, working out around other people can spread the germs. Limit the spread of germs by washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based hand rub.
