Well, there's science to back this up. While there's still a lot of unknowns in this area, it is well documented how the immune system is affected by exercise. Whether or not this directly affects susceptibility to URTIs is debatable. It is complicated by the fact that there are so many other variables that influence our immune system:
- proper diet
- proper hydration status
- adequate sleep
- stress
- proper hygiene
- infectious exposures
- cold weather exposure
- rapid weight loss
For more info on this recent article, check this out:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles /206417.php
On another note, those of you who are training more intensely or racing, it is best to be very careful about being exposed to illness in the few days before a race or a hard workout, as you are twice as likely to get a URTI in the 2 weeks after a marathon or equivalent race/workout versus those who aren't racing or training intensely. If you are starting to get symptoms of a cold and you have a tough workout coming up, it may be better to postpone the hard workout until you are feeling better. It may mean less time off in the long-run (pun intended).
That being said, if you have a cold but you feel ok, there is no reason you can't go out for a run or a bike ride, just make it an easier workout. However, if you have a fever, bad cough, or are feeling really sick, it's best to take at least that day off and not exercise. Your body will thank you, and you'll get back out there much sooner.
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