Reasonable or dangerous? Exercise with a cold?

Dripping noses and coughing people all around us. It's cold time! What can you do to be spared and what can you do if it has already caught you?

The wet cold season is predestined for colds. This is called upper respiratory tract infection, which typically manifests itself in runny nose, cough, sore throat and hoarseness. On average, every adult falls ill twice a year, mainly in autumn and Winter. Contrary to what the Name suggests, a cold does not arise from staying in the cold but is triggered by an infection with viruses. However, cold and wet conditions favour the spread of these viruses, as the immune defence of our body is often weakened. The fact that we stay more indoors on colder days and thus closer together also favours the viruses.

Cold or flu?

Not to be confused with a cold is the flu, which is transmitted by the Influenza Virus. While a cold usually starts slowly, flu symptoms can appear much more quickly and violently, often in connection with headache and limb pain as well as high fever. Also, a normal cold is usually over after a few days, a flu can last several weeks untreated. In case of suspicion of a flu, a doctor should be consulted in any case, while a cold, which runs without major complications, can sit out quite well. Drug treatment is only possible symptom-related, for example by expectorant or cough suppressant cough juice or decongestant nasal sprays. Generally it is recommended to drink a lot. Inhalations with essential oils can also be helpful. Care should also be taken to ensure a balanced nutrient intake.

May I go to sport?

Training breaks are a horror for many. But does it make sense to drag yourself into Training with a cold? Basically, you should listen to your body and, if in doubt, give it a few days break, because intensive Workouts put an additional strain on our body. In addition, performance is often limited anyway. Experts advise to refrain from stress peaks in case of mild symptoms and to focus on moderate endurance sports. In no case should be trained with severe sore throat and a body temperature beyond 38 degrees Celsius. Especially not if the use of medication is necessary. This only covers the physical slackness. In severe cases, intense exercise can even cause pneumonia or heart muscle inflammation in severe colds or flu.

How can I prevent?

Probably the best protection against infection offers regular hand washing. Attention should also be paid to appropriate clothing. It is also important to provide the body with sufficient vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and D as well as zinc.

Special attention should be paid to a balanced diet. By the way, you can not sweat out a cold. Rather, there is a danger of further strain on the weakened body. In advance, however, sauna sessions can help strengthen the immune defense.

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