"Sweat it out" approach to a cold?

PrincessPeach05

After straining my calf last week, I have been attacked by the kid-cold that has invaded my house.  DH and I were talking about how everyone has a different approach to a cold and working out.  I am more of a "if I feel up to it, I will do it" and he is "I will do it to sweat it out."  Obviously we don't workout if there is a fever.  What says H&F?  Is there any science to either approach?  I googled and found "support" for either side. 

kristinanddan

If I have a cold, I do find that I feel better after running or some other cardio. It definitely opens things up so I can breathe easier. If it's something more serious though, like when I had bronchitis last year, I go with the rest approach.

harleygirl01

Personally, I have worked out one time while really sick, and afterwards I got the chills so horribly I could barely stand to take a shower.  After that experience I am not it the camp of a work out sweat being the answer.

However, I live in a place where everyone has a sauna, either in their back yard or their basement, and for me, that is the best way to sweat it out when not feeling well.  There is nothing better than taking some steam and sweating out all of those germs! 

Hope you feel better soon!

dirtyred

Neither approach will shorten the duration of the cold; just do whatever makes you feel better.

BQBride

Ditto the PP on the sauna.  At the first hint of congestion, I do a long soak in the hot tub followed by a long steam in the sauna, and I almost never get sick.