As of: January 29, 2024, 5:05 p.m
By: Dorita Plange
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This jogger has obviously overreached herself.
© Mauritius
January is traditionally a time of illness: many people are currently suffering from infections again.
While some only have a mild cold, others get a really high fever.
Be careful here: then you should go to bed and rest.
If symptoms are mild, a walk in the fresh air is good.
But if you have a fever, you should go to bed: If you get a cold or flu, people who do sports should take a break and pay attention to the body's signals.
Anyone who doesn't take this seriously risks serious problems - warns sports scientist Clara Hunkler from the KKH.
For many people, the new year started with all sorts of good resolutions.
Goals are often less stress, a healthier diet and more exercise.
However, many people who want to exercise are currently being slowed down by coughs, colds and fever.
“Anyone who is currently carrying an infection should not put additional strain on their body with too much exercise,” warns Clara Hunkler, sports scientist at KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse.
Exercise for respiratory infections: In the worst case scenario, there is a risk of myocarditis
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of respiratory diseases has been record-breakingly high in the last four autumn and winter months.
At times, the RKI reported up to nine million acute respiratory illnesses in a week.
“It’s important to listen to your body when you have an infection.
Sometimes a little exercise in the forest or a bike ride at a moderate pace can help with a stuffy nose.
But what always applies: If you have a fever, you should stay in bed!” emphasizes Clara Hunkler.
The immune system needs a lot of energy to fight viruses during an infection.
Anyone who is active despite symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough puts extreme strain on their own immune system.
This leaves the body with less energy for regeneration.
This can prolong the course of the disease - and in the worst case, lead to inflammation of the heart muscle.
Be careful with fever etc.: Doctors recommend at least two weeks off from sports
Caution is also advised after an infection: “After a feverish flu, active people should take a longer break from sports of up to two weeks.
If you only had a mild cold, you can train again as soon as the symptoms have disappeared,” explains Hunkler.
It is important that those who want to exercise no longer have any symptoms of illness and feel physically fit.
The expert advises starting the training load low and then gradually increasing it.
Anyone who wants to tackle their good resolutions for the New Year but is still looking for the necessary motivation can get support from the online motivation coach at KKH.
“With the interactive FitStep app, our insured people can easily track their steps and take part in eight-week motivational coaching,” explains sports scientist Hunkler.
In this way, exercise can be permanently integrated into everyday life.
KKH policyholders and interested parties can find further information at: www.kkh.de/fitstep