Exercise and infection – interaction, risks and benefits

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Abstract
Muscle protein catabolism and circulatoxy deregulation are the major determinants of the loss of physical fitness during and after acute infectious diseases. The proneness to contract infections seems to be higher following intense and prolonged exercise due to temporary immunodeficiency. Conversely, exercise training up to a certain level may be associated with improved immune function. During ongoing infection, baroreceptor stimulating activity limits fitness deterioration, whereas strenuous exercise may be hazardous, especially if cardiotropic micro‐organisms are suspected or proven. After abatement of symptoms and fever, gradually increasing activity and training may generally be promptly resumed in most infections; myocarditis and mononucleosis, however, require individualized recommendations.