The one thing you probably shouldn’t do if you’re sick

Let me introduce you to the “above the neck” rule. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell When I was in eighth grade, I got pneumonia after playing a weekend-long basketball tournament with the flu. I didn’t want to miss the fun, so I didn’t tell anyone I was sick. For my FOMO, I was awarded a trip to the hospital and a pair of very worried parents. Had I told anyone about my symptoms — body aches, fever, lethargy — they would have kept me in bed. Because while exercising when sick isn’t always a bad idea, there are many instances when physical exertion is not what the doctor ordered. So in honor of the impending flu season, today we answer the age-old question: Should you exercise when you’re sick? Plus, some health news you may want to know about: • [“Forever chemicals”' may contribute to breast and ovarian cancer risk]( • [Will the flu shot work this year? Here’s what experts think]( • [FDA sends warning letters to CVS, Walgreens, and other companies over eye drops]( Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Ginger Wojcik September 27, 2023 • 3 min read [How to know if you’re too sick to exercise]( what’s got us buzzing [How to know if you’re too sick to exercise]( Exercising regularly is famously [one of the better things you can do for your health](. So wouldn’t it be a good thing to keep the blood pumping when you’re feeling under the weather? Well, yes … and no. One common way to determine whether it’s [safe to exercise]( is with the “above the neck” rule. That is, when your symptoms are all above the neck (think: sore throat, runny nose, headache, etc.), there’s little risk in getting some mild to moderate exercise. And indeed, [research]( shows that exercise may not make a mild cold any worse. However, when you feel symptoms below the neck, it’s time to get some rest. That’s because physical exertion and exhaustion can dampen your immune response, as I learned the hard way back in middle school. Common signs that you’re too sick to exercise include: - fever - nausea - body aches - feeling weak But no matter how sick you are, it’s probably best to avoid the gym, indoor workout classes, or anywhere too close to other people. Remember that you can be contagious even if you only have mild symptoms. FOMO is a powerful force, and it can be hard to stomach the pill of rest. But as the new [Arcturus variant of COVID-19]( surges, it may be an extra good time to play it safe with your immune system. Great finds Elevated hydration [Takeya Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle]( [Takeya Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle]( There are so many insulated water bottles out there. How do you know which one’s right for you? Well, over 37,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7 stars is a good place to start. This water bottle boasts a double-wall insulation that helps keep beverages cold for 24 hours, and hot for up to 12. It also comes with a leakproof lid and spout for on-the-go hydration. [Buy now]( Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🏃 [11 natural remedies for menopause relief.]( Put these in your back pocket for when your symptoms flare. 🛌 [How to boost your body’s natural defenses.]( The good news is that you’re probably already doing many of these things. 🛒 [Your anti-anxiety grocery shopping list.]( Food can’t treat anxiety, but certain types can help your body better manage stress. 🍆 [The 9 most effective natural erectile dysfunction treatments.]( There’s plenty you can do to improve symptoms that doesn’t involve medication. Thanks for reading, everyone! Last week, we asked you to write in with your tips for snoring less. Shout-out to Angie M. who wrote in with this innovative (if not uncomfortable) remedy for making sure she sleeps on her side. I have a sports bra with the removable padding and I fill it with things that are not comfortable to lie on, like hair brushes and over-sized hair clips, anything that’s pokey and hard. Then I put the bra on backwards. I also put a huge hair clip on the back of my head. This works pretty well. I found the often recommended ball in the tshirt doesn’t work because my half sleeping self just moves it to the side! Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by FOMO. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001