How Long After Flu Can I Exercise?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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With the flu or any respiratory illness that causes high , muscle aches, and fatigue,

wait until the fever is gone before getting back

to exercise. Your first workout back should be light so you don't get out of breath, and you want to progress slowly as you return to your normal routine.

How long should you wait to workout after being sick?

Once your fever breaks (usually after 2-5 days),

wait 24-hours

before working out. This will help ensure that your fever has subsided, but it could also protect those who are working out near you. Gyms are already home to an endless supply of germs, so there's no reason to add flu-carrying bacteria into the air.

Can exercise make flu worse?

Your immune system works best when it isn't in overdrive. If you have a fever, skip the workout. People usually run one for 2 to 5 days when they have the flu. It means your body is battling the infection.

How long should you rest after the flu?

You should make a full recovery

within 2 weeks

– while your body may have fought off the infection successfully, you may not feel 100% for up to 2 weeks after being infected. Most of your symptoms should have subsided by this point, but it's normal to feel weak and tired while your body recovers from the infection.

Is it good to exercise with flu?

With the flu or any respiratory illness that causes high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, wait until the

fever is gone before getting back to exercise

. Your first workout back should be light so you don't get out of breath, and you want to progress slowly as you return to your normal routine.

Is it better to rest or be active when sick?

When experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, fever or a productive cough,

it's best to rest your body

and take some time off from the gym to recover. However, if you caught a mild cold or are experiencing some nasal congestion, there's no need to throw in the towel on your workout.

When do you start feeling better with the flu?

In general, healthy people usually get over a cold in 7 to 10 days. Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after

about 5 days

, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer. All your symptoms should be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.

How long am I contagious with the flu?

People with flu are most contagious

in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins

. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Can you catch the flu twice?

The most worrisome part of a double-barreled flu season is

that you can get sick twice

. Just because you caught a B-strain flu doesn't mean that you're immune from the A strains. “There will be the rare person who gets two flu infections in the same season — one with B and one with H1N1,” Schaffner said.

Is sweating good when you have flu?



There is no value in being sweaty and overheated

when you have a fever,” says Napolitana. “Your fever is going to run its course, and you should use an over-the-counter medication to bring the fever down and make yourself more comfortable.” This will also help relieve muscle aches, a common flu symptom.

How can I recover from the flu faster?

  1. Stay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. …
  2. Hydrate. …
  3. Sleep as much as possible. …
  4. Ease your breathing. …
  5. Eat healthy foods. …
  6. Add moisture to the air. …
  7. Take OTC medications. …
  8. Try elderberry.

Why do I get sick everytime I start exercising again?

A common cause for feeling sick after a workout is

simply trying to push yourself too hard when your body isn't ready for it

. Whether you're just starting out or work out six times a week, work out at your own level. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't push yourself to reach a new level, but do it carefully.

Is it bad to lay in bed all day when sick?

Sleeping more than usual is helping your body build up its immune system and fight off your illness. If you find yourself sleeping all day when you're sick — especially during the first few days of your illness —

don't worry

.

Is it good to stay active while sick?

Answer From Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

Mild to moderate physical activity is usually OK if

you have a common cold and no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

Can you sweat out a virus?

Usually, a virus ends up infiltrating all different kinds of cells, which means it's difficult for a virus to totally escape your system without medication and lots of “work” from your body, she says. “

It is unlikely that you can get rid of a virus completely by raising your body temperature and sweating

,” she says.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.