Doctors warn athletes with Covid-19 not to run Hong Kong Marathon, even if symptom-free
- Those who recently recovered from infection should have trained for at least two weeks before race, doctor says
- Runners who earlier had the virus should manage their expectations as the infection is likely to affect their fitness levels, sports expert says
Runners who test positive for Covid-19 should not compete in the Hong Kong Marathon next Sunday, even if they are asymptomatic, and those who recently recovered should have trained for at least two weeks before taking part, sports experts and doctors have warned.
Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, a senior lecturer at the Education University’s department of health and physical education, warned runners should not “risk their health” for the race.
“If all symptoms of Covid-19 including shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness have subsided after recovery, it should be fine to go back to training,” he said. “But one should train for at least two to three weeks to assess the physical capacity before joining the race.”
Louie said the American College of Sports Medicine advised those who had severe symptoms such as myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – to avoid exercise in the three to six months after recovery until they obtained medical clearance.
He added mild cases could return to moderate-intensity workouts a week after recovery if all their symptoms had subsided.
“A person’s physical fitness will normally decline after resting for seven days without moving a lot,” he said. “The most important thing is to listen to your body and to not push yourself too hard.”
Louie added that those who felt ill should perform a rapid antigen test (RAT) before the race to make sure that they did not spread the virus.