What To Know
- If you have a severe cold, with symptoms such as a high fever, chills, or body aches, it is best to avoid swimming until you feel better.
- If you do decide to swim with a cold, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of making your cold worse.
- However, there are some factors to consider, such as the severity of your cold, the temperature of the water, and the length of time you spend swimming.
When you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is expose yourself to cold water. But what about swimming? Can it make a cold worse?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are some factors to consider, such as the severity of your cold, the temperature of the water, and the length of time you spend swimming.
The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. It is usually caused by a rhinovirus, but there are over 100 different viruses that can cause a cold.
Symptoms of the common cold include:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Body aches
Swimming and the Common Cold
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that swimming can make a cold worse. In fact, some studies have shown that swimming can actually help to improve cold symptoms.
One study, published in the journal Chest, found that swimming in warm water can help to reduce nasal congestion and improve lung function in people with colds. Another study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that swimming can help to reduce the severity of cold symptoms in children.
Factors to Consider
While swimming is generally not harmful for people with colds, there are some factors to consider:
- Severity of your cold: If you have a severe cold, with symptoms such as a high fever, chills, or body aches, it is best to avoid swimming until you feel better.
- Temperature of the water: Swimming in cold water can constrict your blood vessels and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. It is best to swim in warm water if you have a cold.
- Length of time you spend swimming: Swimming for a short period of time is unlikely to make your cold worse. However, swimming for a long period of time can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection.
Tips for Swimming with a Cold
If you do decide to swim with a cold, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of making your cold worse:
- Swim in warm water: The ideal water temperature for swimming with a cold is between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Limit your swimming time: Swim for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Take breaks: Get out of the water and rest for a few minutes every 10-15 minutes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks, before, during, and after swimming.
- Avoid swimming if you have a fever: A fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. It is best to rest and avoid swimming if you have a fever.
Other Ways to Treat a Cold
In addition to swimming, there are a number of other things you can do to treat a cold, including:
- Get plenty of rest: Rest is important for your body to fight off infection.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Fluids help to thin mucus and keep your throat moist.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and relieve nasal congestion.
- Take over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, expectorants, and pain relievers, can help to relieve cold symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
If your cold symptoms do not improve after a week, or if they get worse, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- A fever that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills
- Body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
Summary: The Truth About Swimming and Colds
So, can swimming make a cold worse? The answer is: not necessarily. Swimming can actually help to improve cold symptoms in some people. However, there are some factors to consider, such as the severity of your cold, the temperature of the water, and the length of time you spend swimming. If you have any concerns, it is always best to talk to your doctor before swimming with a cold.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Can swimming make a cold worse if I have a fever?
Yes, swimming can make a cold worse if you have a fever. A fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Swimming can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection.
Can swimming make a cold worse if I have a runny nose?
No, swimming is unlikely to make a cold worse if you have a runny nose. In fact, swimming can actually help to thin mucus and relieve nasal congestion.
Can swimming make a cold worse if I have a sore throat?
Yes, swimming can make a cold worse if you have a sore throat. Swimming can irritate your throat and make it more painful.
Can swimming make a cold worse if I have a cough?
No, swimming is unlikely to make a cold worse if you have a cough. In fact, swimming can actually help to clear mucus from your lungs and make it easier to breathe.
Can swimming make a cold worse if I have body aches?
Yes, swimming can make a cold worse if you have body aches. Swimming can put stress on your muscles and joints and make them more painful.
