Don’t Let H1N1 Destroy Your Season
As the H1N1 flu spreads around the world, age group and college
athletes are unfortunately coming down with the flu in high
numbers. Tulane University, Duke, and Texas Christian University
all reported outbreaks among their athletes. Earlier in the year,
Swimming Australia cancelled its Grand Prix competition due to a
swine flu outbreak. And 12 Zamalek swimmers and their coach were
infected at the Cairo Championships this year.
Athletes are more likely to be physically and mentally stressed,
making them more susceptible to illness, warns Charlie Thompson,
the chairman of the National Athletic Trainer’s
Association’s college and university athletic trainers
committee.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
2009 H1N1 flu can vary in severity from mild to severe. Certain
groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from H1N1
flu infection, such as pregnant women and persons with chronic
medical conditions.
But the flu doesn’t have to put a damper on your swimming
season, especially if you have a mild case. For instance, Peter
Vanderkaay battled H1N1 flu and three weeks later came back to win
the 400 meter freestyle at U.S. Nationals.
If you come down with the flu, you may be able to lessen the impact
by following a few of these tips compiled from doctors, trainers,
and the CDC.
Stay hydrated
A common side effect of the flu is loss of appetite, resulting in
less fluid intake and even dehydration. Try drinking small amounts
of fluid often and choose drinks that contain electrolytes, such as
sports drinks. Michael Castleman, author of Cold Cures: The
Complete Guide to Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold and
Flu, recommends drinking lots of hot fluids at the first onset of
flu symptoms. Hot fluids impair viral replication, plus they have a
mild decongestant effect.
Eat small, healthy meals
If your appetite is squelched, try eating small meals more often.
And remember that fresh fruit and vegetables contain antioxidant
nutrients that bolster the immune system, which in turn helps
reduce your risk of other infections.
Sleep it off
Anecdotal evidence among those with swine flu reveals that the
virus often comes in waves. You may feel better, but then the fever
returns along with other symptoms or possibly a bacterial
infection. To give your body its best chance, sleep it off. Doctors
recommend sleeping between eight to 10 hours a day to help your
body recover and avoid other infections. According to Dr. Maoshing
Ni, your immune system function drops by an average of 60 percent
after just three nights of poor sleep.
Protect your towels
To avoid spreading germs during flu season, don’t share
towels. Flu viruses can linger on linens such as your swimming
towels. WebMD recommends using a household disinfectant for
bathrooms and laundry rooms, following the directions on the
product’s label. The CDC recommends that when you launder the
towels of someone who has the flu, don’t hug the laundry
before washing it, and set the clothes dryer to the hot setting.
And everyone in the house should wash their hands with soap and
water (or use an alcohol-based hand gel) immediately after handling
dirty laundry.
Don’t waste money on miracle cures
Despite what you may read on the Internet, swine flu has no miracle
cure. The government’s www.flu.gov website lists more than a
handful of fraudulent H1N1 flu “treatments” including
air systems, body washes, gels, inhalers, and herbal extracts. Also
note that vitamins and other supplements don’t boost the
immune system or fight the flu, so don’t count on vitamins to
work recovery magic.
Ease back into your workout
Once you are feeling over the worst, doctors recommend that you
start slow. Go for a gentle walk to get some fresh air and open up
the lungs again. But don't over-exercise, and gradually return to
your normal workout routine. People who get the flu typically run a
fever and experience muscle aches for several days. So that’s
not the time to put your body through an intense workout. Check
your temperature to ensure you have no fever before you head back
to the pool. Even though the H1N1 flu virus cannot live in a
properly chlorinated pool, you could spread germs in the locker
room if you go back too soon.
Finally, don't get wrapped up in the hype or panic over H1N1. Seek
medical care if you have a severe case. But odds are, you will be
feeling better within a week or so.
Melanie McMullen, BaySide Media (www.baysidemedia.com), is a
freelance contributor for www.swimnetwork.com and a member of the
Downtown Oakland YMCA Master’s swim team.
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