Should i jog when i have a cold

Any symptom "below the neck," however, such as chest congestion, coughing, body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea is a sign of more serious illness that likely requires some rest. Training may do more harm than good. Just because your symptoms are "above the neck" doesn't mean you should train.

If you do decide to run, take it easy, and stop if your symptoms get worse or become unmanageable. As with most rules, there are important exceptions to the neck rule.

While a fever may accompany seasonal allergies , it is more often an indication of a developing infection. If in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and take it easy. Similarly, dizziness should never be taken lightly. There could be any number of reasons why dizziness occurs, from a drop in blood pressure to a middle ear infection. Whatever the cause, it may not be safe to run if your balance is affected. Use your best judgment, and see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

There are times when nasal congestion is bad enough that your respiration is significantly impaired. If you have a "nose cold" and find yourself breathing entirely through the mouth, you may want to think twice about running. While a nasal decongestant may help, it is best to stop training if you find yourself gasping for air or feeling lightheaded.

Until you are breathing freely again, you may want to limit yourself to walking or weight training. The above-the-neck rule suggests that symptoms limited to the head are inherently less severe. And, in large part, that's true given that above-the-neck symptoms are most commonly associated with allergies and colds. Certainly, with an allergy, you can usually manage exercise without compromising your health.

Even severe allergy symptoms can be treated without the risk of major complications. The same cannot be said for the common cold. If not managed reasonably, the viral infection can worsen and lead to any number of complications, including strep throat, ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

For this reason, you need to be able to read the signs for experiencing above-the-neck symptoms. In some cases, what you assume is hay fever may actually be the early signs of a cold or flu. Many people will force themselves to exercise at the first sign of illness, believing that it will "boost" their immune system. What researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine found was that there is a narrow line between the prevention and promotion of illness among people who exercise prior to and during a respiratory infection.

In plotting the risks, the researchers found that people who exercised moderately had fewer and less severe symptoms than those who did nothing at all. You probably won't even feel like running when you're suffering from a sinus infection, but the standard advice is to wait it out for three days.

Some sinus infections can lead to pneumonia. You can't "sweat out" a fever by running, either. If your fever is above 99 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably should stay home. Exercising with a fever will put you on a fast track toward dehydration, so be careful. If, despite your best efforts to stay well, you get sick, here are a few tips for a speedy recovery.

When suffering from a cold or flu, try to do the following:. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar.

Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Outdoor Activities. Running Health. Running Injuries. Can I run when I have a cold? It's OK to run when it's cold outside. But is it OK to run when you have a cold? Runny nose Nasal congestion Sneezing Sore throat. Our Zenzero bar is a great source of anti-inflammatory ginger. Forza bars contain nutrient dense fennel and coriander, and Avanti is spiced with warming cinnamon. View the range Feed a cold: It's not just an old wives tale — when you have a cold your appetite goes through the roof.

Yes you need extra energy to fight the infection but comfort also plays a part. We find that reaching for our favourite Veloforte bar helps stem the craving for biscuits and other less nutritious and less delicious foods. Avoiding colds Can running in the cold give you a cold? How running can help you avoid colds On the plus side, running can help you avoid colds in the first place: Runners are generally healthier with better diets so they're stronger to fight off the cold virus.

Regular moderate exercise actually boosts your immune system. Though very heavy endurance training may reduce it. Being outside running means less time exercising in places where people congregate such as gyms, exercise classes or swimming pools. You can run to work and avoid public transport — a hotbed of cold viruses.

As a runner you are likely to be more in tune with your body so will notice symptoms quicker and be able to take action to reduce the length or severity of your cold. What to eat to avoid a cold Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet throughout the winter and avoiding training that encourages glycogen depletion is a good way to keep your body in top condition so it is able to resist the cold virus, should you come in contact with it.

Always stay hydrated. The virus enters your body through mucus membranes, so dry, cracked lips or a dry inside of your nose makes a much easier entrance system for it as your natural defences are reduced. Eat the rainbow. Make sure you are enjoying a wide range of fruit and vegetables of all colours as this will ensure you are getting the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Top up your vitamin D. Maintain your carbohydrate stores.

This may include:. These side effects depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you have a chronic condition, like asthma or heart disease, talk to your doctor first. Running with a cold may exacerbate your existing condition. If you have a cold, try doing other types of exercise. As your cold symptoms subside, you can start easing back into your normal running routine. For many people, cold symptoms will start to get better after 7 days. Be sure to resume exercise gradually.

This will help ensure that your body has enough time and energy to fully recover. Try these home remedies to help ease your cold symptoms:. Colds and seasonal allergies share several symptoms, like a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. The main difference between allergies and the common cold is itchy eyes. A cold rarely causes this symptom. Another difference is coughing, which is usually caused by a cold rather than allergies.

An exception is if you have allergic asthma , which can cause coughing. But depending on the severity of your allergies, you may need to take extra steps to run safely and comfortably. Running with a mild cold is usually safe, especially if the symptoms are above your neck. Instead of doing your usual running routine, you may want to try a less strenuous activity like jogging or brisk walking.