Why am I feeling flu-like symptoms after exercise?
Physical activity can sometimes cause symptoms that mimic those of a cold or flu. Possible reasons include:
- Exercise-induced rhinitis (EIR). This is a form of vasomotor rhinitis where physical activity triggers inflammation of the tissues inside of your nose. EIR can lead to symptoms like a runny nose while you’re active or after you finish.
- Exercise-related cough. If you have exercise-induced asthma, you may cough soon after you start working out or right after you finish. You might also have other symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing or severe fatigue. Aside from asthma, there are other reasons why you might cough after physical activity. These include exposure to allergens (allergic rhinitis), pollutants and cold air while working out.
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness. This is muscle pain that starts a couple of days after an intense workout but goes away pretty quickly (usually within a few days). It can happen if you try a new type of physical activity or ramp up the intensity of your workouts.
- Overreaching or overtraining. These are both examples of exercising too much. Overreaching is when you exercise too much within a short period of time. Your body isn’t ready for it, and you end up with muscle soreness that persists for at least two days. Overtraining is when you consistently push the limits when you work out. Fatigue is a common symptom. In some cases, overtraining leads to chronic colds, infections and other illnesses.
Exercise should make you feel good. If you notice your workouts are leaving you drained, sore or otherwise under the weather, contact a healthcare provider. They’ll identify what’s causing your symptoms and help you find relief.
Can lack of sleep cause flu-like symptoms?
Lack of sleep (sleep deprivation) can cause some flu-like symptoms like fatigue and headaches. You may have other symptoms, too, like irritability and trouble focusing.
But if you’re sleep-deprived and experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s possible you actually have the flu or another infection. That’s because, over time, lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and make you more likely to get sick. Working on your sleep hygiene can help you get more (and better quality) sleep so you can feel better and stay healthier.
What if I have flu-like symptoms during pregnancy?
If you have flu-like symptoms while pregnant, contact a healthcare provider right away. They’ll find the cause and make sure you get treatment, if necessary.
One possibility is that you have the flu or another virus. The flu is more dangerous for pregnant people compared to those who aren’t pregnant. It’s more likely to cause severe symptoms and hospitalization. Your provider may prescribe medications (like antivirals) or recommend other treatments.
But there are other possibilities, too, depending on your symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of morning sickness, which affects up to 70% of pregnant people during their first trimester. Morning sickness doesn’t cause other flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or body aches.
Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms of preterm labor. This is when you go into labor before you’ve reached 37 weeks of pregnancy. In this case, you may also have other symptoms like contractions, cramping or leaking of fluid from your vagin*. You need immediate medical care for preterm labor.
What if I have conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms?
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) sometimes occurs as a symptom of viral infections, like the flu and COVID-19. So, if you have flu-like symptoms (like a fever and chills) as well as pink eye, it’s possible that the virus is causing your eye symptoms. It’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider and tell them what’s happening. They’ll let you know if you should come in for an appointment.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Flu-like symptoms can zap all your energy and make you wish you could press a fast-forward button to get through the next week. Sadly, that’s not an option. But healthcare providers can recommend treatments to help ease symptoms and get you through the worst of it. When the cause is something more serious than a seasonal virus, your provider will help you understand the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
