H3N2 influenza, a type of influenza A virus; and Ômicron, a type of coronavirus. Although they are different, they present similar symptoms and require care such as rest during treatment. Therefore, people who have been infected with either virus should take a break from exercise until they fully recover. But how do we resume training after the flu or Covid?
How to Resume Training after the Flu (or COVID)
Wait for the body to fully recover.
It is useless: you have to give the body time and wait for the strongest symptoms (such as fever and general malaise) to disappear completely. This is because we must not forget that physical activity generates some inflammation in the body, which can be overcome by having to fight the disease and recover from the activity at the same time.
In addition, staying away from the gym (and respecting the quarantine) is essential to avoid spreading the disease to others.
See a doctor
As the Covid-19 vaccination campaign continues in full force, most people are showing the milder form of the disease. However, do not refuse to see a doctor once the isolation period is over, even if you feel better.
Covid-19 can have ramifications for the heart, lungs and muscles, which form the basis of how the body functions during exercise. The alteration in these organs can be fatal in efforts of moderate and high intensity”, explains Silvana Fertimati, pediatric cardiologist and exercise and sports doctor at the Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital.
The attention is valid even for patients who did not develop symptoms during the infection. “Asymptomatic people who do not know if they have the disease, but who report tiredness and fatigue, should be vigilant and undergo a prior medical evaluation,” explains the specialist.
Resuming training after the flu or COVID: return little by little
Last but not least: you don’t want to chase damage with too intense a workout, see? The ideal is to return little by little. Check out some tips:
- Return to the gym on a regular basis, that is, not every day;
- After you complete isolation and recovery, for two days you should only do light activities for less time;
- The next stage is to increase your exercise schedule by 15 minutes each day until you get back to what you were doing before;
- Likewise, the intensity and complexity of the movements should be gradually increased;
- Even with the resumption, be sure to take into account possible respiratory signs, fatigue, a disproportionate increase in heart rate, and other symptoms.