Fellow Runners!

byarger
byarger Posts: 22
in Fitness and Exercise
I am a fairly new runner and I'm already getting a chest cold! Help! What do you do to help prevent lung infections?

Replies

  • suncluster
    suncluster Posts: 539 Member
    If it is cold outside the I run with a fleece over mouth and nose for first mile.
    Afterwards drink lots of water, long shower, take zinc, and rub on mentholatum.

    Up your greens for more vitamins.
  • lawlorka
    lawlorka Posts: 484 Member
    Why would running cause a chest cold? A cold is a virus - it is not caused by running, or by being out in the cold - it is caused by coming into contact with a virus?
  • byarger
    byarger Posts: 22
    Why would running cause a chest cold? A cold is a virus - it is not caused by running, or by being out in the cold - it is caused by coming into contact with a virus?

    runners are more susceptible to lung infections, I never said running caused it ;-)
  • byarger
    byarger Posts: 22
    If it is cold outside the I run with a fleece over mouth and nose for first mile.
    Afterwards drink lots of water, long shower, take zinc, and rub on mentholatum.

    Up your greens for more vitamins.

    Thanks sun! I will try these things!
  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    Why would running cause a chest cold? A cold is a virus - it is not caused by running, or by being out in the cold - it is caused by coming into contact with a virus?

    runners are more susceptible to lung infections, I never said running caused it ;-)

    Really? Why is that?

    I've found that I don't get sick nearly as much now that I run regularly. I am certain I'm not more susceptible to a lung infection because I run.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    You do not get sick from cold weather you get sick from a virus or something else. Cold can reduce your bodys ability to fight off the cold but if your new to running you cant be out in the cold for very long and to you what is cold. your lung infections is from a different source not cold weather or running. Possibly something your breathing in the air?? See a doctor .
  • Lauraleeburgess
    Lauraleeburgess Posts: 13 Member
    Mega dose vitamin C - you will very rarely, if ever, get sick.
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Why would running cause a chest cold? A cold is a virus - it is not caused by running, or by being out in the cold - it is caused by coming into contact with a virus?

    runners are more susceptible to lung infections, I never said running caused it ;-)

    ? I've not heard that before. I've not had so much as a sniffle since I started running including avoiding all the manky coughs & colds that have gone around the (open plan) office this winter. If its particularly cold I'll use a Buff over my mouth so the air is less chilly when I breathe in.
  • RunMyOregonBunsOff
    RunMyOregonBunsOff Posts: 862 Member
    I have had maybe three or four colds since I started running a couple years back. I don't run if I feel like I have a fever but otherwise I just do my regular thing. I find that I can breath better by the time I'm done. I've had pneumonia twice when I was younger so I am guessing that it has nothing to do with me just not being prone to lung infections. Maybe run indoors if you live someplace with below freezing temps?
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    Nothing special.

    I've been running outside all winter, mostly all runs were done in sub 0°F weather and I haven't been sick once this winter. I find that when I'm in great shape, I'm not sick.
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    I am also healthier than I've ever been since I've taken up running. I find that if I do start to come down with something I'm able to fight it off in a day or two rather than it turning into a full blown sinus/lung infection. I haven't had a serious illness in years.

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