Regular exercise can boost your immune system and help to prevent illness and infection, but even the healthiest and fittest people get colds, the flu or other minor illnesses sometimes. Can working out while you're sick help or harm the body's healing process?

If you're experiencing symptoms above the neck, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing, moderate exercise is probably safe. Instead of pushing yourself, though, reduce the duration and intensity of your exercise session if you're sick. For example if you usually run for 30 minutes, try a 10- or 15-minute walk instead.

But if you have a fever or symptoms below the neck, such as extreme tiredness, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, swollen lymph glands or a hacking cough, you'll want to rest and avoid moderate or intense exercise until you're feeling better. Depending on the severity of your illness and your doctor's recommendations, you may need to wait up to two weeks before resuming your exercise program. Once you start exercising again, limit the intensity and duration of your exercise sessions for a few days to give your body a chance to recover.

Related information Fitness Center

Sources:  IDEA Health and Fitness Association, http://www.ideafit.com/ftsept.htm; The Physician and Sportsmedicine: Sports and Exercise During Acute Illness: Recommending the Right Course for Patients