#17: Should You Rest Or Stay Active When You Feel Sick?
Sep 26, 2024
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The discussion dives into whether staying active or resting is better when you're sick. Surprising research shows that prolonged bed rest may not be more beneficial than regular activities, especially for conditions like low back pain. Moderate exercise can help reduce the frequency of colds without worsening symptoms. Sauna use might not speed up recovery but could minimize infections. Additionally, staying active may lessen the chances of experiencing fatigue and brain fog with long COVID.
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Quick takeaways
Staying active during illnesses like colds and low back pain is generally encouraged, as evidence shows it promotes quicker recovery without adverse effects.
Regular moderate exercise can reduce the frequency of colds, highlighting the importance of maintaining physical activity even when feeling unwell.
Deep dives
The Importance of Activity During Illness
Staying active during minor illnesses like colds or low back pain is generally encouraged, as evidence suggests that rest may not be as beneficial as previously thought. A historical perspective reveals that resting for conditions like back pain was once standard practice, but recent studies show no significant differences in recovery rates between resting and staying active. For instance, a clinical trial found that individuals who continued with light activities after back pain onset fared just as well as those who took a week of bed rest. Thus, maintaining a level of activity can prevent the muscles from weakening, promoting quicker recovery and reducing the risk of further injury.
Exercise and Respiratory Illnesses
Engaging in regular exercise may help reduce the frequency and severity of colds, although it does not necessarily shorten the duration of symptoms once an individual is ill. Research indicates that those who consistently exercise at moderate levels experience fewer cold days compared to inactive individuals. Interestingly, clinical trials involving participants inoculated with the rhinovirus revealed that exercise did not adversely affect the course of a cold, supporting the practice of exercising if symptoms are mild and above the neck. This implies that even during illness, maintaining a degree of physical activity is generally safe and can be beneficial.
Considerations for Chronic Illness and Recovery
The approach towards exercise for chronic illnesses has evolved, with many health organizations now advocating for regular physical activity even for conditions like multiple sclerosis, which was once thought to worsen with exercise. Evidence shows that exercise not only assists in managing symptoms but also improves overall health and well-being, acknowledging the importance of staying active. Although caution is advised for certain severe conditions, minor ailments typically allow for flexibility in activity levels. Ultimately, listening to one’s body and consulting with healthcare providers remains crucial in navigating the decision to exercise when ill.
1.
To Rest or Not: Navigating Activity During Illness
It used to be when you got sick, you were advised to "take it easy". But, does the evidence support this approach? And, it isn't just an academic question since, on average, we get 2-4 colds/year and many of us will have an episode of low back pain. And, how about COVID? Rest or stay active?
1. Low back pain: a key randomized clinical trial showed that prolonged bed rest did not do better than usual activities. Now we advise patients to continue activities.
2. Moderate exercise does not lessen (or worsen) cold symptoms. But, exercise may reduce the number of colds you get.
3. Sauna use doesn't make the cold go away faster but may reduce the number of infections that you experience.
4. COVID-it appears that exercise may reduce the likelihood of fatigue, anxiety, brain fog if you do get long COVID.
5. Multiple Sclerosis-previously it was feared that exercise might worsen the disease. Recent guidance is to be physically active.