Many studies show that exercise contributes positively to the immune system. Exercise can improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health. In addition, exercise can also boost immunity, although this depends on the frequency, duration, and intensity of your daily routine.

Exercise also helps reduce stress levels. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so by exercising, you can help maintain your immune system. So can you still exercise when you are sick?

Is It OK to Exercise When You are Sick?

According to health experts, the guidelines on whether or not you can exercise when you're sick depend on how sick you are. If the pain is mild and limited to the upper body such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or mild sore throat, then you can exercise. The choice of exercise that can be done is also limited to light exercise activities such as leisurely walking, light yoga, or stretching.

Although moderate exercise is usually safe to do as long as the symptoms of the disease are mild, some considerations must be considered among them:

• Some medications such as cold medications or decongestants can have the side effect of increasing heart rate, so pay attention when exercising.
• If you have a fever or severe fatigue, it is not recommended that you exercise at all as it can make things worse and slow down the recovery process.
• Always listen to your body carefully and don't hesitate to take a break if you feel tired or uncomfortable.

When NOT to Exercise When You Are Sick

You should not exercise if your symptoms are not limited to the upper respiratory tract, such as chest pain, persistent cough, or gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain. In addition, the following conditions should be indicators that you need to rest rather than exercise:

• Have a high fever
• Experiencing severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Having digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Feeling very tired and lethargic
• Have a serious respiratory infection
• Have recently suffered an injury or undergone surgery
• Also Read: Benefits of 30 Minutes of Cardio Exercise Every Day

Tips for Exercising When You are Sick

If you don't have any severe symptoms and are only experiencing mild symptoms as mentioned earlier, here are some exercise tips that you can follow:

• Avoid public places if you still have a cold or flu and want to exercise.
• Do not do strenuous exercise and choose exercises with a lighter intensity than usual
• Adequately hydrate yourself during exercise to avoid dehydration
• Stop exercising immediately if you feel any worsening symptoms or fatigue.

Every human body is unique, and how it responds to illness varies. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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