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Avoiding Illnesses in Athletics

When playing sports athletes battle various stresses and each one affects the body in different ways. Some stresses cause physical alterations, while others cause physiological alterations. One goal of athletes should be to minimize the physiological alterations. When an athlete’s physiology becomes unbalanced, such systems as the immune system can become suppressed. This may cause the athlete to be at a greater risk for illnesses. Obviously if an athlete is ill he/she may experience a decrease in performance. In addition, if an athlete is ill, he/she may run the risk of spreading the illness to the rest of the team. Therefore, prevention should be a major priority.

One misconception athletes have is exercise boost the immune system and reduces the chance of illness. This statement is partially true because studies show that moderate exercise can improve resistance and immunity to colds and upper respiratory infections. However, strenuous exercise may weaken the immune system for a short period of time until a sufficient rest cycle is completed.

To avoid becoming sick athletes should wash their hands frequently, especially before they eat and after they go to the bathroom. All it takes for an athlete to become sick is to simply touch a door knob that has been previously contaminated by a sick person. As soon as the athlete touches his/her nose, eyes, or mouth, he/she will have contracted the virus. It will then be up to the immune system to kill the virus. Germs on your hands can be transferred to moist areas and then will rapidly multiply. Athletes should not share water bottles, sports drinks, toothbrushes, mouth guards, cosmetics, or soda cans. Also athletes should keep athletic clothing clean, wash it frequently, and do not share it with others. In addition, athletes should get plenty of rest, avoid exercising while badly fatigued, eat a balanced diet, and more.These are simple steps to take to prevent an illness onset.

Athletes often want to know is it safe to exercise when they are sick? This question should be answered only by a doctor after a medical exam has been performed and the doctor has properly diagnosed the illness. Only then will the doctor be able to determine if the illness and/or the medications prescribed will be negatively affected by exercise.

As a general rule, if the symptoms are mild and above the neck (stuffiness, mild sore throat, itchy eyes, etc), then mild exercise or sport participation is probably safe. However, if the symptoms are severe, below the neck, or generalized (such as fever, muscle aches, productive cough, vomiting, or diarrhea) it is better to rest until the athlete is asymtomatic, and then gradually return to the previous level of activity.

If athletes are sick, they should act responsibly and avoid spreading germs to other athletes. The best thing to do is stay away from the team. Certain viruses can spread through a team like a wild fire through a forest, especially if the team is training hard. If an athlete must be around the team, he/she should do everything possible to prevent the spread of the illness. For example, athletes should cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze and then wash their hands. Once an athlete sneezes on his/her hands the virus will then be passed on to everything he/she touches. If an athlete is really sick, he/she should stay home. One person missing practice is better than having the whole team miss a competition because of illness.

Defeating contagious illnesses takes a team effort. If an athlete suspects he/she has a contagious illness, it is important that the athlete be isolated from fellow athletes until the problem has been treated and has fully resolved. Coming around the team while battling a contagious illness may compromise the health of fellow athletes. The annoyance of not being able to play for a short time may help others to avoid experiencing any serious illness and disability that can arise from it. Athletes can easily prevent contracting an illness and also the spread of an illness across the team by taking a few preventative measures. These preventative measures will help insure the health and safety of all athletes.

Note: This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical concern, consult a physician.

References

Howe W. B., Harmon K. G., & Rubin A. Avoiding Infections: Staying Healthy, Performing Well. The Physician and Sports Medicine. 2003 Vol 31(2)