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?

[arvbuttar]

Hi,
I read your post. I also love running and exercise. After running, I feel tiredness so I don't think getting fatigue is the symptom of flu.  You should consult with an experienced doctor regarding your problem.
Thanks.

[Milan_k]

Thanks everyone for sharing! I had tried all sorts of things and nearly thought I'd have to give up the gym.
I used to end up for two weeks off being ill after sometimes even a moderate gym excercise.
This is what I've been doing for the last six weeks and what kept me in a much better healthy state (I do have a slightly runny nose the next morning after my gym workout but it goes away by lunch time).
The list is:
No milk based protein (I found I'm intolerant)
No daily coffees (just occasionally)
Probiotics
Vitamin D
Some carbs before the gym

I'm not sure which one of these was the deal breaker. I may start drinking coffee again in a few weeks to see if anything changes.

[specialmom]

That's interesting that these things made a difference.  I can see the milk issue though for sure.  I think probiotics help with gut issues --  I'm a big believer.  Anyway, thanks for sharing.  Ya, I guess you could do test adding in (or taking out) these items one by one to see if you have a return to your past symptoms.  Glad you are doing better!

[stinsonj]

After 12 years of dealing with this issue, and multiple attempts on what is causing the flu-like symptoms, I finally think I'm narrowing in on a culprit....Stress.  Ive been able to single out single triggers thru trial and error, and they all trigger a stress response in my body.  These triggers are:

Too much exercise
Alcohol
Lack of sufficient sleep
Mental Stress
Allergies

I can better deal with the above if only one trigger is present, but for example, if i have a couple of days in a row of not enough sleep, and throw exercise on top of it, I'm destined to get sick for 3 to 4 days.  

So now that I know the triggers, and how they are related, I can work on finding a cure (if even possible).  I still don't know the exact mechanism in which the sickness comes about, but I think one possibility is that it has to do with histamines.  Antihistamines have shown to help out a bit in preventing the symptoms from happening so there's that.  Plus, i've developed the same exact symptoms from allergies alone without the presence of another trigger.  My current guess is that my triggers create a stress response, which in turn makes my body release histamines, which somehow are making me sick.  I have an appointment with someone that deals in histamine intolerance and what not in a few weeks so we'll see what he has to say about my theory.

[ozweepay]

I have exactly the same triggers (except allergies, which I don't really suffer from).  But if I exercise, especially when I'm under-nourished and/or dieting, and I'm stressed, and I don't get enough sleep... bam, I'm sick for 2-4 days.  Sickness is headache, dizziness, nausea, stomachache, and fatigue.  I have had this for 20 years... the onset put me in the ER but now I just deal with it.  I have no idea how to avoid it and I've been to docs, searched the Internet, etc. In spite of there obviously being lots of sufferers, no doc has ever heard of such a thing.

[specialmom]

This happens every time you exercise?

[Nimx]

I do know the answer, based on latest research.
No one of you is completely wrong, most of your
Auto-diagnosis may be right, except not the worst ones (I hope, but may be possible too).it's about stress response, so weather you just over train, or are out of shape or eat*hit, or suffer me/cfs(probably not) orare stressed, or have adrenal fatigue,or have anxiety or mood issues, or antthing that mess with your stress response , it's very likely you will experience flu like  symptoms. For me it was stress(unconscoius, since except some join/nerve painn I didnt realize I was so stressed) which went on to clear anxiety-tension(which added some minor sleep and digestionI trouble).

[Nimx]

Also keep in mind a stress response will raise most molecules such as inflammatory cytokines, histamine etc... it's natural, but if it's out of balance will make your whole system more reactive , mounting an exaggerated inflammatory response. If this out ofof balance becomes chronic you will experience a break down making your whole system weaker (I.e. more prone to infections ) opening the way to all sorts of problems (especially chronic ones, so be careful and act in time)

[Nimx]

To answer to anyone who didn't understand what is stress, yes , even you who think you're gluten sensitive. You may be right, that sensitivity may mount a stress response too. Stress is not just mental, every kind adds up, so just stop focusing onon 1 issues, start to addres your psychological stress first (most are mainly from this source) and then if not enough look for other sources of stress I.e physical, metabolic, allergic etc (no not on Google, you little hypochondriac thinking you may have lupus or cfs,  you have medical tests to rule out those things).

[Twiggey]

I posted 6 years ago and thought I might give an update that could potentially help someone with these symptoms. Before 2012 for many years I got flu-like symptoms after each workout and it took me a couple of days to a week to recover. I then read the comments on this forum and decided to investigate my food allergies and intolerances. I did blood tests and found out I'm allergic to soy. I also did an elimination diet and discovered that I'm gluten intolerant. I avoid foods that contain soy and gluten and since then I have almost never had this issue again. The only times it came up again, was if I ate soy and gluten for a couple of meals before. Hope this helps someone.

[emque]

While not a highly trained athlete, I have always struggled with inflammation and recognize a lot of what previous posters have mentioned. This webpage seems rather informative and I see now where I am sabotaging myself. I don't have a strong immune system and previously for 6 years I lifted weights consistently,,,once a month I would try cardio and I would be sick with a virus within the next few days.  Hope you all find the answers you seek.  Some might be on this webpage for you. Peace

[emque]

I have also previously had exercised induced analyphylaxis...so histamine is also at play for me....I have a sensitive spirit and body.. I have fast twitch muscles so I can lift heavy weights easily. Cardio has never been a strength. I believe understanding your genetic makeup, past health crises,  hormones,  cortisol etc...and diet are all key to finding that allusive balance that comes naturally for many others.  

[Phil666]

Old thread, but so nice to see that others have the same issues (sorry :) ). I am 35 and fit, I train 4-5 days a week and hard. I often come down with fever and sore throat. So frustrating!
I agree with a lot of comments here. Allergies and asthma might play a role. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat healthy (whatever that means).

One question though, how many of you have just worked right through it? I get so frustrated that I can't train, so sometimes I just do it anyway. I can't go a 100%, but maybe 80-90% at least.
Does anyone else have experience with that - to just ignore the symptoms and train anyway?