When Not to Exercise ·
Although exercise is generally good for people with HIV, it may make some conditions worse. You should always speak with your doctor before starting an exercise programme and, even if your consultant/physiotherapist has agreed that it is safe for you to exercise, there are times when it is not recommended:
When you have a fever
If you are experiencing night sweats or feeling unusually hot, this may be due to an underlying infection. In such instances aerobic exercise is not recommended, as fevers can affect the heart.
When experiencing bouts of severe diarrhoea
Severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and exercise that makes you sweat can make this worse. Low-level diarrhoea should not stop you from exercising.
If experiencing vomiting
Exercising when experiencing vomiting is not advisable, as it can affect the absorption of nutrients and fluid balance of the body.
You should check with your doctor before continuing with exercise if you experience any of the following:
- an undiagnosed infection other than skin infections
- if experiencing severe or undiagnosed pain
- tachycardia – abnormally increased heart rate while resting, ie, not as a result of increased exertion
- shortness of breath while resting, ie, not as a result of increased exertion
- coughing with phlegm
- unexplained weight loss
- ataxia – changes in your gait (way of walking)
- memory deterioration
- swelling of the joints.
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