Should i exercise with a viral infection

This is an example of referred pain 7 , 8. Ear pain can be caused by a sinus infection, a sore throat, a tooth infection, or changes in pressure.

Certain types of ear infections can throw you off balance and cause a fever and other symptoms that make working out unsafe. However, most earaches can just be uncomfortable and cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the head.

Though exercise is likely safe when you have an earache, try to avoid exercises that put pressure on the sinus region. Stick to light walking. Something as simple as bending over can be very uncomfortable with a sinus infection. In fact, getting some exercise may help open up your nasal passages, helping you breathe better Ultimately, listening to your body to determine whether you feel well enough to exercise with a stuffy nose is the best bet.

Pay attention to your breathing and what you feel you can handle. A sore throat is usually caused by a viral infection like the common cold or flu Staying hydrated with cool water is a great way to soothe a sore throat during exercise so you can add activity into your day. While exercising is generally harmless when you have a mild cold or earache, working out when you are experiencing any of the following symptoms is not recommended. When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which hovers around Fevers can cause unpleasant symptoms like weakness, dehydration, muscle aches, and a loss of appetite.

Additionally, having a fever decreases muscle strength and endurance and impairs precision and coordination, increasing the risk of injury However, more frequent episodes of coughing can be a symptom of a respiratory infection like a cold, the flu, or even pneumonia. Although a dry, sporadic cough may not impair your ability to perform certain exercises, a frequent, productive cough is reason to skip a workout.

A persistent cough can make it difficult to take a deep breath, particularly when your heart rate rises during exercise. This makes you more likely to become short of breath and fatigued.

A productive cough that brings up phlegm or sputum may be a sign of infection or another medical condition that requires rest and should be treated by a doctor Also, if your cough is occurring during exercise, it may be a sign of asthma. See a doctor if this persists. Illnesses that affect the digestive system, such as the stomach flu, can cause serious symptoms that make working out off-limits.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramping, and decreased appetite are all common symptoms associated with stomach bugs.

As a clinical review in the journal Sports Health notes, fever increases fluid loss in the body, decreases muscle strength, and makes a person feel more exhausted. A fever also means the body is increasing its internal temperature to fight off an infection.

Exercise raises body temperature, making a person feel even worse. Symptoms in the ear are another factor to consider. These signs of illness may cause a person to feel dizzy or off balance, which could also pose risks if they are working out. Also, anyone with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea should avoid working out.

Exercise can cause the body to lose water through sweat. Since someone with diarrhea or vomiting is losing a lot of water already, working out may put them at risk for dehydration. Chest symptoms are another sign that it is best to avoid working out. These symptoms may include:. Finally, even if a person only has mild symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sneezing, but they feel weak or unable to work out, it is important to rest.

Some activities may not be right for the body while a person is sick. The body is trying to recover, and pushing it too hard may make symptoms worse or the recovery time longer.

Hydration is always important but is vital while the body recovers from sickness. The body is likely already using extra fluid to move toxins. It may also be losing fluid from extra sweating and a runny nose. Staying hydrated while working out and throughout the course of the sickness may help avoid the effects of dehydration. Along with hydration, it is essential to find ways to replenish electrolyte salts while exercising.

Even a simple runny nose can use up electrolytes. Adding a sweaty workout to the mix means the person should take extra precautions. Drinking liquids, such as coconut water, broth, miso soup, or sports drinks, may help restore these electrolytes and keep the body working as it should.

Along with regular exercise, eating a healthful diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to boost the immune system and prevent infection.

When someone is sick, their body is trying to fight off and recover from an illness. As such, it is crucial to keep exercise light.

It may not be the best idea to push the body to its limits, such as doing sprints or heavy weightlifting. A brisk walk or bike ride may be enough to get the blood flowing without pushing the body too hard.

As a consideration to other people, it may be a good idea to avoid exercising in an enclosed space with shared equipment, such as the gym. Some gyms even have rules that prohibit people from exercising while sick. Laskowski, M. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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Sign up now. Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold? Answer From Edward R. With Edward R. Show references Clearing the air on exercise and the common cold. American College of Sports Medicine. Accessed Dec. Dick NA. Febrile illness in the athlete. Sports Health. DeLee JC, et al. Infectious disease and sports. Philadelphia, Pa. Jaworski CA. Upper respiratory tract infections: Considerations in adolescent and adult athletes.