Exercising after a coronavirus infection

Published Oct 31, 2020

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Getting back into exercise after recovering from Covid-19 is not as straightforward as with other viral infections, here are some things you need to consider.

Sports Physician, Dr Etti Barsky, says that over the past 30 years, doctors relied on the ‘neck check’ to decide when an athlete is ready to return to physical training after a respiratory infection and that experts agree on a stepwise approach to resume training.

“If your symptoms are confined to your head and neck, for example, a runny nose, sinus pain or a scratchy throat; and you don’t have a fever or muscle aches, then you are most likely clear to train,” said Barsky.

“The more high-level athlete you are, the more it is advised to go for a formal check-up which would include an ECG and cardiac enzyme level checks.

“The best practice is to resume training in a slow and steady way. You need to pay attention to both the physical and psychological effects of a workout,” she said.

ALSO SEE: HEALTHY HABITS TO KEEP POST COVID-19

Things to look out for during a workout:

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A higher than usual resting and exercise heart rate,

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Excessive fatigue – this includes knowing that you had a low-intensity workout,

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Shortness of breath

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Dizziness, Chest pain, Muscle pain and Palpitations.

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