Flu-like symptoms after exercise

[Jaune]

I love running, using aerobic equipment and lifting weights; however, I ususually experience flu-like symtoms for days, sometimes weeks, later. For years now, I have felt as if a virus surfaces in me everytime I exercise.
My PCP is unhelpful.
My ENT recommended L-Lysine which I have been taking with a multi-vitamin everyday for a year.
Any suggestions?

[tdcourt]

A related discussion, Flu like Symptoms When I Exercise was started.

[debpatrick]

A related discussion, Is this age related was started.

[debpatrick]

A related discussion, Could this be age related? was started.

[JulianMcC]

Hi - wow I have been researching my symptoms today and have found all these blogs really useful. I am constantly ill with 'flu symptoms' after intense excercise. I did a 7 mile run on Sunday and today I feel like I should be in bed as I can hardly move. My body feels totally drained and aches all over. This has been going on for about 5 years now and I have had no idea why. It's so frustrating and I have tried everything such as more carbs, more sleep, vitamin tablets, zinc, the lot. Does this sound familiar?

[mf916]

Its good to read these and know I am not crazy.  I use to be a personal trainer and workout all my life.  As of 6 months ago I started experiencing the same problems. Extreme nausea and body fatigue that seems to occur after exercising but it is not every time. In fact I experience 3 times in fall and then had no reoccurances until 3 weeks ago and now have had it twice.  This last one though is quite different in that its been going on for about 6 days now but without a lot of nausea just more extreme body ache and fatigue and low appetite.  My doctor is just now beginning the basic series of blood work and test but I believe there is something more non-traditional.  I have some theories and wanted to see if any of you have in commonalities.  Did any of you or do any of you have any histories of:  Mono, recent birth of a son or daughter or kids in general, any mold allergies, hx of rhuematoid arthritis - self or family hx, Recent hx of body fat gain and period of decreased exercise and now getting back into it -- is it related to fat metabolism or release of toxins stored in fat?  I look  forward to your respones.

Thanks

[amberch]

sounds like you are overexcerting yourself and have poor nutrition- which vitamins won't cure
take it easy
and make sure you have the recommended percentage of fat

[maggy may]

I have been working out sine I was in my early 20's and also experienced the same thing.I lift wgts.run,ti bo,bike 10-15 miles and I am now 48 years old. I'm pretty sure it is the same reason I had the same problem.And it isn't from going to a gym as I have all my work out equipment at home. I read a great article on this very thing in one of my many health magazines.It said if you OVER exercise you can get flu like symptoms.And I always noticed it worse after hard work outs.So I learned how to pace myself and now I only lift 2 x a week and never 2 days in a row. You have to give your body time to re coup.I bike or run or dance all the other days.I can work out 6 days a week now without feeling ill.That article was right on target and I've never felt better.I used to lift 2 hours at a time 4-5 days a week plus some type of aerobic exercise. Now I lift for an hour to an hour and a half.Also how is your diet?To exercise and benefit by it you have to eat a healthy diet! NO PROCESSED foods!And little sugar as too much sugar is proven to lower your immune systam!! I was so glad I read that article as I thought I was crazy feelin flu like from working out! As with all things in life ALL THINGS IN MODERATION OTHERWISE EVEN GOOD THINGS BECOME BAD FOR YOU!Good luck and I hope it works for you as it did for me!Maggy May

[hoponpop]

Jaune, do you exercise at a local gym?  If so, maybe you are especially sensitive to the germs there.  The solution is to wash your hands very well with soap after using the equipment and make sure not to touch your eyes, ears, or mouth while you are working out.     If you work out too hard rather than build up slowly, this can also lower your defenses.  

Another great thing I discovered to ward off colds (and flu-like symptoms) is to use an eyedropper and put a dab of hydrogen peroxide in each ear.  It really works.  also take vitamin C,  and also minced garlic with olive oil right when you feel something coming on.  All of these have helped me not get sick whenever I work too hard (at anything) which is what used to happen.