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EXERCISE GUIDELINES WHEN YOU HAVE
A COLD OR UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION
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by Herman Falsetti,
M.D.
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Flu, cold or upper respiratory infections are a common illness. The question
arises what type of exercise is appropriate when having an illness.
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A common cold has symptoms of runny nose, nasal
stuffiness, mild sore throat and low-grade fever. Colds are caused by a
host of viruses. |
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Treatment: The treatment is usually symptomatic. There are no medicines
given which kill the virus which causes the illness. Rather treatment
is aimed at antihistamines or decongestants of which there are many. Vitamins
and minerals are of some value. The ones most recommended are vitamin
C and zinc. Antibiotics are not used in simple "colds". Antibiotics are
often prescribed for people who have bronchitis in addition to the upper
respiratory infection.
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Exercise: The rule of thumb is if the symptoms
are limited to the head exercise is allowed at low intensity. If symptoms
occur below the neck; bronchitis, cough, fever, generalized malaise no exercise
is allowed. This test or rule of thumb is often called the "head check rule".
High intensity exercise is contraindicated. It will delay recovery and can
cause further complications. |
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Recovery time: Allow 3 days recovery for each
day you are sick to return to previous training level. For example, if you
are sick one week, it will take 3 weeks to return to previous fitness level.
When you return to exercise start out at one third to one half of your usual
exercise routine and gradually increase over the next 1-2 weeks. I highly
recommend you use a heart rate monitor to measure your exercise intensity. |
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Dr. Herman Falsetti can be reached for more information
at 949 727 1900. |
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