When Is It Safe to Exercise After the Stomach Flu?

Despite taking considerable precautions to avoid falling ill with the stomach flu, many Americans find this ailment is impossible to avoid. The stomach flu affects roughly 20 million people every year, putting a temporary halt to their daily activities, including exercise. Although it might be tempting to continue with your gym workout even as you contend with the stomach flu, you should avoid exercise until you feel better.

Someone is walking on a path through then forest. (Image: Purestock/Purestock/Getty Images)

Walk Before You Run

In an interview in "The Guardian," Professor Ron Eccles, an illness expert, stresses that no specific timeframe regarding exercising after having the flu exists. You should, however, skip vigorous forms of exercises while fighting the stomach flu bug, as exercise can worsen the symptoms. Dr. Rick Kellerman, in a CNN Health interview, recommends avoiding exercise until your symptoms have dissipated. Only then, he says, should you begin to exercise -- but not at full intensity. Instead, work out gently to allow your body additional time to recuperate. For example, if you're a jogger, try a more moderate form of exercise, such as walking.