Upper Austria. Exercise is an effective remedy for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. However, caution is advised with viral infections.
Regular physical exercise has been shown to increase wellbeing, reduce stress and can strengthen the immune system. If you suffer from infections of the upper respiratory tract, caution is advised: If you start training again too early, you risk chronic heart damage.
Influenza-like infections are mainly caused by rhinoviruses, coronaviruses or adenoviruses in the cold season and are transmitted by droplets and aerosols. Symptoms usually last between three and 14 days and range from coughing and nasal congestion to muscle and joint pain and fever.
Light runny nose: light training allowed
If you have a slight cold without any other respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat or cough, moderate basic endurance training with 60 to 70 percent of the maximum heart rate is allowed, “explains Dr. Johannes Neumeister from the cardiology department at the Ordensklinikum Linz Sisters of Mercy. “In these cases, light exercise in the fresh air can alleviate the symptoms, as the mucous membranes swell better and the blood circulation is promoted.” If you treat a cold with medication, however, you should not take any medication for two days before returning starts exercising. However, this only applies to “slight” infections.
Beware of feverish infections and influenza
“If you also suffer from a sore throat and cough, you should wait three to seven days after the symptoms have subsided before you start exercising again. If you have a febrile infection, you should take a break for at least a week, “recommends the cardiologist. Particular care should be taken with influenza infection. “When infected with influenza viruses, the heart muscle is involved in around ten percent of cases. In many cases, myocarditis is asymptomatic and goes undetected. If training is then restarted too early, this can lead to serious damage to the organ, such as cardiac arrhythmias or chronic cardiac insufficiency, “explains Neumeister.
Higher risk of heart attack and stroke
In addition, an influenza infection, as well as an infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (one of the most common pathogens causing pneumonia), significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in the first week after the disease. “However, there are well-tolerated vaccinations against both pathogens,” says Dr. New master. After the flu, as well as after pneumonia, you should take a break in sports of at least ten days to four weeks, depending on the severity of the illness.
Slow re-entry
“In general, it must be said that starting training early after an infection can lead to a prolongation of the disease and a chronification of the symptoms and, in the worst case, to organ damage to the heart and lungs,” warns the cardiologist. The return to work should therefore take place slowly and the duration and intensity of the training should be halved. In winter, outdoor sports are recommended – ideally at noon and in the afternoon when the sun is still shining, in order to replenish vitamin D stores.
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