The Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes family, causes mononucleosis, an infection common in childhood and young adulthood. Around 95 percent of Americans have antibodies to EBV by age 40, indicating past exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus causes extreme fatigue that can last up to six months. During this time, you may not have the energy to carry out your normal weight training routine. Ask your doctor about weight training if you have or are getting over EBV. In the early stages, exercise could cause problems with your spleen.
Active Epstein-Barr Virus and Weight Training
Epstein-Barr virus can cause enlargement of the liver and spleen, the organ on the left side of the body under the rib cage that stores a number of red blood cells. Weight training or other strenuous exercise could cause your spleen to rupture, a potentially serious complication that could cause excessive blood loss and death. Spleen enlargement and rupture occur in just 0.5 percent of cases, according to MD Guidelines. Liver failure can also occur.
Starting Slowly
Once your doctor OKs physical activity, you may still have extreme fatigue, especially if you overdo activities. Start by training with light weights; the exact weight will depend on your physical condition and how much you lifted before you got sick. The degree to fatigue you have even after lifting light hand weights may surprise you.
Using Weight Training to Improve Health
Weight training can improve your physical condition, which could help you recover more quickly from the infection. If you haven't used weights before, start with weights heavy enough to cause fatigue after 12 to 15 repetitions. Work up to exercising with weights for 20 to 30 minutes twice per day. When you first recover from EBV, you may not be able to complete even 20 minutes with weights; do as much as you can and increase gradually each day until you recover your normal energy levels.
Considerations
If you've been involved with a weight training program, it's frustrating to think of losing ground while you're sick. But pushing yourself too soon with weight training could not only worsen fatigue but could also put more strain on your damaged liver and spleen. Wait a minimum of four weeks before starting to exercise and check with your doctor first.
