Should we work out or engage in exercise when suffering through a flu, cold or other illness? Cold and flu season generally runs through the end of April, and this year many individuals are reporting colds longer than usual, some symptoms lasting four to six weeks.

After developing a cold or flu, many people who exercise on a regular basis are hesitant to skip workouts. However, exercising when ill inhibits exercise performance, diminishing the benefits of a typical workout and spreading germs that may infect others. Most doctors will recommend rest during all types of illness. Sometimes, though, even a doctor’s advice isn’t enough to convince us to break our workout regimen. Here are a few things to consider before hitting the gym when you have a cold or flu:

First, exercising with a cold or flu may worsen symptoms. A runny nose or sore throat may become more agitated during exercise making you feel even more miserable than before your workout. Some studies have also shown that the immune system can become suppressed after exercise.

Another thing to consider is that during resistance activities (weight training, for example) our bodies break down muscle and, in the days following that workout, will repair the muscle so that it grows and reshapes itself. But, when we’re ill our bodies may not simultaneously fight off an infection and repair muscles very efficiently leaving you sore and possibly prolonging the illness.

When ill, fluid in our bodies may be off-balance affecting the heart and circulatory system. The decrease in body fluid may cause inadequate perspiration, which could lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Finally, it’s important to remember that public gyms and exercise facilities can be hotbeds for flu and cold bugs. Infecting others in this environment may easily be done through heavy breathing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing mats and towels. Even if healthy, adding a Del-Immune V® supplement to your daily routine can help as your immune system fights off germs.

To learn more about how Del-Immune V® works, click here.