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Question: Is there a good rule of thumb about exercising with a cold?

Donna, Surry Hills, NSW

Answer:
Use this old-fashioned motto: 'Just in the head, get out of bed; in the chest, have a rest.' If it's a head cold, feel free to fit in some low intensity exercise - getting out into the fresh air might even help you feel better. At least it shouldn't make you sicker: a US study that infected saintly volunteers with a cold virus and then had them work out showed moderate exercise didn't make a cold longer, or worse. But if you're running a temperature, or bringing up phlegm, definitely stay under the doona. At the end of the day, when you're not feeling 100% rest and fluids are the best thing to help you get back on your feet - and the treadmill - faster.

Dr Kate Molinari is a Canberra-based GP, lecturer at Australian National University and medical editor of The Australian Family Physician. To get her advice, email your question to: askanexpert@marieclaire.com.au.