When you have a cold or a temperature or even
a flu you may wonder if it is really necessary to stay in bed or if you
could go for a swim.
Competitive athletes prefer to swim every
day - even if they are ill or feel a little bit dizzy. This is the experience
of everyone who is or was a "real athlete". Thus, many swimmers, in particular
the motivated and ambitious ones, go for their workouts even when they
have a temperature.
Colds and flus
Colds and flus are infectious diseases which
can be dangerous for high performance athletes. Even if you have an infection
which does not manifest as an illness, i.e. you only feel tired or out
of shape, can have severe consequences.
Viruses cause most of these diseases
Most colds and flu-like illnesses are caused
by viruses. There are a great many of viruses which can cause these symptoms.
Bacterial infections are in most cases the consequences of a primary viral
infection. Bacteria thrive on the cell debris caused by the viruses. Bacterial
complications are: Infections of nose and pharynx, sinuses, infections
of the bronchi, the lungs and the middle ear.
Fever can accompany the infection, however,
it is not a mandatory sign.
Dangerous complications
Many cold- and flu-viruses are able to cross
the superficial lining, the mucous membrane, of the nose, pharynx and respiratory
tract.
Then it gets dangerous: These viruses can
attack the heart valves and the heart muscle. Repeated infections of the
heart can lead to a sudden death during heavy exercise, as it was observed
with many well known top level athletes who went to the limit under fever.
For competitive athletes it is important to note:
Going for the record in workouts and competitions
enhances the ability of viruses during an infection to enter the blood
stream. Viruses in the blood steam increase the risk of the heart valves
and muscle to get infected.
Going for the record means you are more at
risk that this infection will lead to an irreversible damage.
Conclusions
We recommend:
No workouts when you have a temperature
If you have a cold with a sore throat: No
workouts
If you have a cold, no temp, no sore throat,
i.e. only a running nose, you may swim, but only at a very low - aerobic
- pace. No anaerobic and speed work. Checck your heart rate to be sure.
