When deciding between the gym and the medicine cabinet, sports health physician Vikas Patel, DO, suggests a neck check.
For symptoms above the neck, such as sore throat, coughing, sneezing, or runny nose, it is usually safe to exercise.
You should never exercise with a fever. If you have asthma or a cardiac disease, Dr. Patel advises seeing your doctor before exercising.
If you're not feeling well, don't force yourself to exercise. The neck check may indicate otherwise.
Working out when unwell requires consideration of others' safety. Avoid gyms, workout classes, and team sports.
Flu patients were contagious before symptoms appeared. Your contagiousness will peak in three to four days.
A cold can be more contagious than the flu. Contagiousness usually lasts one to three days before symptoms appear and can last two weeks.