Medical Advice
RACE DAY ADVICE , by Dr Darren Green , Race Doctor , Mediclinic
Mediclinic and ER24 are the official medical partners to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon .
If my Antigen Test is positive but I am fine and asymptomatic , why will I not be allowed to run ?
Entrants who test positive in their antigen test will not be allowed to run for their own safety , and the safety and wellness of those around them . If you feel perfectly healthy and would like to do a second test at your own cost , you may do so and present the results to the team at the COVID testing facility at Cape Town Stadium before 4pm on Saturday , 16 October .
Can I run when I have flu symptoms or am ill ?
The most common cause of flu is a viral upper respiratory tract infection . If you have mild symptoms such as a runny nose , a sore throat without fever and without general body aches and pains , you can safely resume training a few days after your symptoms resolve .
If however you have a fever , tiredness , muscle aches or swollen lymph glands ; you should wait 2 weeks before you resume exercise .
The following are signs and symptoms that suggest you are not fit enough to exercise :
• Poor performance and the inability to maintain preillness exercise levels
• Fatigue
• Return of symptoms like headache , muscle pain and fever
• Increased heart rate at rest If it takes longer to recover after exercise compared to when you feel fit and healthy . If you are unsure , the safest course of action is to consult your doctor prior to the race .
How do I manage cramp ?
Cramps are common even in experienced runners . The exact cause of cramping is a contentious issue and may involve many factors . Cramp can be experienced by individuals that overexert a fatigued muscle . It can also be due to electrolyte abnormalities , or heat stress . If you experience crampS , stop running , stretch the muscle and apply ice . Ice will be available at water points . While you stretch the muscle , have an isotonic beverage . It is recommended that the drink should be a 6 % carbohydrate
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