In the first week of December, the strongest cold wave hit the temperature as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. If you exercise as usual with the thought that ‘it will be better if you sweat a lot’ during the symptoms of a cold, it is common to get a big nose injury.
On the 29th of last month (local time), Thomas Weitner, a professor of kinesiology at Ball State University in the United States, said in an interview with the New York Times (NYT) about ‘exercise safety according to cold symptoms’, “cough with symptoms in the lungs, chest discomfort at the lower part of the neck.” It is better to avoid exercising if you have systemic symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, fever (high fever), muscle pain, or fatigue.” However, “if the cold symptoms are in the upper part of the neck, it will be safe to exercise,” he said, citing symptoms such as stuffy nose and mild headache.
In particular, since cold symptoms often lead to the flu, it is most important to monitor yourself and coordinate your exercise. Appalachian State University Professor of Biology David Nieman said, “Many people think that the virus can be removed by excreting water (sweat). However, excessive exercise can worsen symptoms and lead to complications.” .
Professor Nieman, who likes sports enough to complete 58 marathons, said, “For people who like sports, a prescription to stop doing it can be a difficult request to keep.” You have to stop exercising completely.”
Professor Nieman also said, “The virus spreads throughout the body and stays dormant, disrupting the immune system and causing chronic fatigue for a long time.” warned that it might appear. He explained, “Even after the fever goes down, you should not exercise for about a week and take a rest. Just like when you break your arm or sprain your ankle, your body, weakened by the flu, needs enough rest time to recover.
In addition, vigorous exercise during and after a cold virus infection without a recovery period increases the risk of developing myocarditis by causing rapid heart rate, chest pain and shortness of breath, Nieman warned.
Because the effects of exercise can vary depending on the symptoms and timing of a cold, experts reiterated the importance of choosing the right exercise. For example, it recommended an exercise that has a relatively narrow radius of action and can absorb less shock to the body.
Geoffrey Woods, professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, USA, recommends “moderate cardiovascular exercise for 30 to 45 minutes at a time” and recommends walking outdoors for 30 minutes or lifting light weight dumbbells. He also added that using a stationary exercise machine, such as a low-impact bicycle (at full speed), is advisable. However, Professor Woods cautioned against the onset of myocarditis again, saying, “If you suddenly feel tightness or pain in your chest, you must stop immediately.”
Jihye Han (han.jeehye@joongang.co.kr)