Written by: Amy Fletcher, M.S., ACSM-certified, CSCS.
Fitness Specialist, Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Is it different for different illnesses? What about long term/chronic illness?
During times of illness, the body is focused on fighting infection and will not be
able to perform at its best. An acute infection may result in decreased endurance,
strength, speed, and concentration. It is important to remember that the infection
will result in decreased performance and that exercise should be modified (reduce
the intensity or duration of activity) or discontinued until the body is feeing better.
There are risks of exercise participation during illness that can affect more than
performance. A runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration and event
moderate activity may increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Individuals
with infectious mononucleosis should not exercise for at least 3 weeks after the onset
of illness due to the potential damage to the spleen. Additionally, exercise participation
that involves close contact can place others at risk of infection, potentially spreading
the illness.
Generally speaking, using your good common sense is the best way to know whether you
should or should not exercise. Do a quick “neck-check” to determine if exercise would
be safe or not. Symptoms “above-the-neck” such as nasal congestion, runny nose or a
mild sore throat indicate a mild infection in which exercise participation would not
pose a threat to your health. A fitness goal at this point would be to continue
moderate intensity activity and participate in higher intensity exercise as symptoms
subside.
Symptoms “below-the-neck” such as a hacking cough, diarrhea, fever, body aches or
chills are more severe and exercise should be discontinued until symptoms disappear.
Once exercise is resumed, ease back into the program gradually and give yourself a few
weeks to get back to the same fitness level as before the illness.
Moderate physical activity is beneficial for most individuals with chronic conditions.
Individuals should always discuss a change in activity with their physician.
Reviewed by: Sarah Hansen, MA, CHES (Certified
Health Education Specialist), Health Iowa Coordinator
Updated February 15, 2005