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 .
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 pre-illness 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 A 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 electrolyte solution . Should you experience involuntary twitching of your muscles , or you have more than one part of your body affected , it could have a more serious cause . Seek out the assistance of the physiotherapists available along the route .
The Mediclinic medical team will be on hand should cramping persist and it requires further medical treatment .
GIVING YOURSELF THE GREEN LIGHT ON RACEDAY :
MEDICAL TIPS from the Medical race director – Dr Darren Green
What are the crucial self-assessment symptoms to note ?
• Fever : this means that your body is dealing with an acute infection and places you at risk for severe complications on race day if ignored . Consequences are Myocarditis , Dehydration , heat stress and seizures .
• Flu symptoms both recent and current . Don ’ t consider racing with an acute onset of coughing , sore throat , shortness of breath and severe muscle body pains . Racing with an infection could lead to serious complications and even Cardiac arrest .
• Chest Pain demands respect and could be related to an underlying heart , lung or muscle condition . Undiagnosed and untreated respiratory infections account for a large number of medical consults and withdrawals on race day . Pain associated with exercise can point to a cardiac issue like Angina .
• Generally unwell with low energy , excessive fatigue . This could point to a systemic viral infection and high intensity or endurance training could worsen the infection and lower your immune system function .
• Persistent diarrhoea before the race could precipitate more severe illness if not managed appropriately . Fluid and electrolyte imbalance as well as body temperature control are all linked to your hydration status . Don ’ t race with a Gut infection .
Finally if you develop ANY of these symptoms after starting the race - please consider stopping at any of the medical points along the way for a check up and consult before continuing .
Wishing you your best race ever ..
The Medical Team : MEDICLINIC
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