What to watch out for when returning to sports after a Corona illness
Normal life is returning bit by bit and Corona is moving into the background due to the current relaxations. However, anyone who has had a corona illness should not take it lightly, advises Dr. Ulrich Schneider, internist and head physician of sports medicine at the Sportklinik Hellersen. That applies in particular also to hobby and competitive sportsmen. Often there was only a mild symptomatology or the course was asymptomatic and the athletes were surprised by a positive test result. Nevertheless, the disease experienced can have an impact on sports fitness. Investigations into the "return to sport" after illness or injury are basically an essential part of sports medicine examinations, explains Dr. Schneider. Here, the question must be answered as to whether full fitness for sport has been restored and whether it is safe to train or take part in competitions. In the case of CoVid-19 disease, it quickly became clear that not only the respiratory tract is affected, but that other organs such as the heart, kidneys, musculature or nervous system may also be involved. A possible involvement of the heart with the development of myocarditis is of particular importance for athletes.
Recommendations on training breaks and sports medicine examinations after the onset of covid disease had already been published last year. Even in the case of an asymptomatic course, intensive training should not be undertaken. If mild symptoms are present, a break from exercise of two to four weeks is recommended, depending on the clinical course. More severe courses must always be assessed individually. And even in the case of an asymptomatic as well as mild course, a sports medical examination is recommended to check whether the organs are still healthy and training can subsequently be resumed with the greatest possible safety. The extent of such an examination depends on the course or severity of a corona disease.
In general, anyone who has taken a longer break from sport should take their time to get used to the strain again. A cautious increase in exertion is just as much a part of management after a corona infection as the sports check.
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