Running and Colds

By Dr. Cathy Fieseler

Q: I have a big race next month and have developed a cold. My symptoms include a scratchy throat, runny nose and an occasional cough. I’m not sure whether I can safely continue training. Some people tell me to sweat out the cold and others say that I’ll be sick for weeks if I continue to train. What should I do?

A: There are some basic rules regarding exercise during an illness. You should not exercise if you have a fever (temperature of 100oF/38oC or higher) of if you are experiencing body aches. The greatest concern about exercising while ill is that it may increase the likelihood of developing myocarditis—infection of the heart muscle. This is probably more likely when fever and/or body aches are present. The consequences of myocarditis may be dire, including loss of effective pumping of the heart muscle. Even if the heart muscle recovers, exercise is prohibited for at least six months.

Otherwise, use the neck check, a guideline commonly recommended by sports medicine physicians. If your symptoms are above the neck (sore throat, congestion, etc.) it is okay to work out if you are up to it. Run at half of your typical intensity for 10 minutes. If your symptoms do not worsen, you may continue your workout as tolerated. If symptoms worsen during this initial period, training should not be resumed until symptoms improve. This is not a time to push the intensity of workouts; I’ve seen a number of people develop long-term symptoms after working out too intensely while ill.

If symptoms below the neck are present (fever, severe cough, muscle aches, fatigue) training should be put on hold until these symptoms have resolved.

More than ever, it’s important to make sure that you are getting adequate rest, nutrition and fluids.

“Dr. Fieseler is the Director of Sports Medicine for the Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, TX. She is a regular contributor to Running Times and has served as the chairperson for the sports medicine committee of the Road Runners Club of America. For more information on Dr. Fieseler’s medical services, click on Dr. Cathy Fieseler.”

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