When can I resume exercise after a cold?

Dr. Lekutat's answer:

The average person has about four colds per year. And colds can definitely slow you down and keep you from your exercise program. If it’s just a sniffle or mild head cold, though, you can usually continue with gentle exercise. But be sure not to push yourself to extremes. For recreational athletes, taking a break from exercise can be helpful. But going on long walks is still a good idea – it can even help you get rid of a cold. If you’re suffering from a severe cold with fever, it’s best to take a break from your exercise routine. In the worst case scenario, it could even lead to myocarditis, or an inflammation of the heart. So with a bad cold, you’re better off resting than working out. Depending on the severity of the illness, you should be completely free of fever without medication for at least three days before gently resuming your exercise program. Overdoing it after a severe cold can weaken your immune system and lead to yet another infection. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also pay a visit to your doctor to get the green light to resume exercise.