Golfers and the Flu

Golfers and the Flu

Upper respiratory tract inflammation, commonly known as a respiratory infection, can cause a range of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild and resolve on their own, while in others they may be more severe and even life-threatening if the infection leads to complications in the lungs or heart.

Yes, exercise can help build immunity. Moderate, regular exercise such as walking or golfing can help strengthen the body's immune system and reduce the risk of infection. Exercise can also help reduce blood pressure, body weight, and build stronger muscles and bones. It can also improve the functioning of the circulatory system and breathing. However, excessive exercise, such as running marathons or long-distance cycling, can lead to an increase in the body's immune system in the early stages, but after a certain period of time, the amount of white blood cells in the body is reduced, causing the body's immunity to decrease. This is known as the "open window" period, and it increases the risk of infection for several hours or days.

Strength of Immune Defense

A J-shaped graph demonstrates how moderate exercise can reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, while strenuous exercise can increase the risk compared to those who do not exercise at all.

In 2009, there was an outbreak of influenza with similar symptoms to the seasonal flu, which has been spreading rapidly to dozens of countries around the world. To prevent its spread, regular exercise is recommended. However, exercising while having a high fever can have negative effects, including loss of control, falling, and increased risk of injury. Furthermore, it can also lead to the spread of germs to the lungs or heart, making it a life-threatening situation.

Guidelines for Golfers

Playing golf and walking 8 holes, an average distance of 6 – 7 km, is an excellent form of exercise that helps build more immunity. The wide open area of the golf course and its well-ventilated atmosphere mean there is less chance of infection from the respiratory tract as the amount of germs that can spread into the air is greatly reduced.

If you start to have a fever, cough, sore throat, follow these guidelines:

1. Rest for 1-3 days
2. High fever 38 degrees should rest until symptoms improve.
3. There are general symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, body aches.

Signs You Should See a Doctor

1. Should see a doctor if you have high fever or severe symptoms
2. Sore throat. Symptoms are caused by infection that requires 7–10 day medication to prevent complications from heart inflammation
3. Extreme weakness
4. Diarrhea, vomiting
5. Fatigued and irregular heartbeat

In Summary

1. If you are experiencing symptoms above the neck, like a runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat, your symptoms should improve within 1-3 days and it is safe for you to play golf.
2. If you are experiencing symptoms below the neck, such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, or uneven heartbeats, it may be a sign of a more severe condition and you should not play golf.

Reference: B.K. PEDERSEN: Exercise and infection Diseases, Text book of Sport Medicine by Blackwell Publishing 2003