London - If you have a cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, but you feel otherwise well, mild exercise may do you good.
Bringing up your body temperature helps to fight a virus, but keep the activity light, as hard exercise can briefly compromise the immune system.
However, if you have flu you should rest and avoid exercise.
So how can you tell if it’s a cold or flu?
If you have mainly “above the neck” symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes or a mild sore throat, it’s probably a cold and it’s okay to do light endurance exercise, says Dr Alex Nieper, sports physician for London Scottish rugby team and London Bridge Hospital.
“If your symptoms are ‘below the neck,, such as fever, cough, congested or tight chest, upset stomach, muscle aches or fever, don’t exercise because an infection can affect your heart muscle. If you have a temperature, the body is fighting a virus and physical exertion will be counterproductive to recovery.”
Missing a few days’ exercise will not set back your fitness. Once you feel better, increase volume before intensity. – Daily Mail