Exercising Can Worsen Flu

If you come down with the flu this winter, skip the trip to the gym.

"If you can't make it to work, you certainly shouldn't be exercising," says Dr. John Cianca, a sports medicine specialist at Baylor College of Medicine. "Aerobic activity that increases the heart rate also raises your body temperature. This can make a bout with the flu worse."

Even after you are feeling better, it is best to ease back into your normal routine.

"The flu can really take a toll on your energy level," he says. "When resuming your exercise regimen, adjust both the duration and intensity of the workouts. If you had symptoms for three or four days, your body needs at least a week of short, low-intensity workouts to completely recover."

Pushing too hard too soon can land you back in sick bay.

- From Baylor College of Medicine

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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URL: http://www.tmc.edu/health_briefs/11_01_98-flu.html