Should you exercise while you are sick?

You're feeling bad, but not "bad enough" to stop a workout. But is this wise...especially during a global viral pandemic?

If your body has signs of illness, like respiratory difficulty, sinus discharge, itchy and watery eyes, or fever, then your immune system is under stress. Body aches may follow, general malaise, and lethargy may also be present...symptoms of fatigue and illness from allergy, respiratory infection or a virus.

Don't be a hero, because your body needs the energy to recover from illness. Expending energy only takes away from healing. Once you are healed, TRANSITION into an activity state. The more pronounced the symptoms, the more transition time you need to get back to where you were.

Don't forget that resting is an active form of healing. Consume lots of water (not sodas or sweetened beverages even like fruit juices). Eat more colorful vegetables for antioxidants and naturally occuring vitamins and minerals. Sleep at least 8 hours a night for 3 or more nights. Talk to your healthcare providers about supplements before going to the store and going on a self-prescribed course of dietary supplement regimen.

For the sake of public health, and those you come in contact with, it is wise at this point in time for ALL OF US NOT TO GET SICK WITH ANYTHING! Getting sick during a pandemic and national state of emergency can put you or those you love at risk, and cause an additional burden on the healthcare system.

During this Coronavirus outbreak, if you are sick, exercise your discretion, not your body! There's a time for everything!