Can I run if I have a cold and a headache?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on June 09, 2025
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The common cold is primarily a clinical disease characterizing symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infections by various microbes, resulting in coughing, sputum production, nasal congestion, runny nose, and fever. In severe cases, some patients might also experience headaches. Typically, after the onset of a cold, it is generally recommended that patients consume nutrient-rich foods and keep warm while avoiding exercise. If a headache occurs due to the cold, it is advised to rest at home, take some cold medicine to alleviate the headache, and wait until the body has recovered before engaging in activities like running. It is not recommended to perform intense physical activities during the acute phase of a cold when feeling unwell, as this might exacerbate the condition. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Lu
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What should a pregnant woman do if she has a cold and fever?

It is common for pregnant women to experience colds and fevers during pregnancy, as it is unlikely that the 40-week pregnancy period will go smoothly without issues. Cold and fever are common symptoms during this time and how to handle them mainly depends on the severity of the condition: Firstly, for a common cold, if there is only mild fever with a temperature below 38.5°C, or symptoms like nasal congestion, nasal pain, or sore throat, it is generally not recommended to take any medication, as colds are self-limiting diseases, primarily recovering through the body's immune system. Secondly, if the cold symptoms are very severe, exhibiting high fever with a temperature above 38.5°C, or symptoms like thick phlegm, this may indicate the possibility of influenza or signs of pneumonia. In such cases, it is important to conduct a blood test and to use antibiotics for treatment.

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Written by Wang Xiu Mei
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What should I do if I catch a cold during the postpartum confinement period?

If a pregnant woman catches a cold and it is not very severe, conservative treatment can be considered. On one hand, medication can be taken under the guidance of an obstetrician. On the other hand, during the early stages of a cold, one can drink more water and keep warm. Maintain good air circulation indoors. If symptoms are severe, oral administration of medicines such as Xiao Chai Hu Granules and Bai Lan Gen Granules can help alleviate the condition. In terms of diet, it should be light and easy to digest. Avoid crowded public places, wear masks when going out, and reduce contact with people who have colds to cut off the source of infection. Once a pregnant woman catches a cold, it is crucial to rest. Do not overwork, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain foods. Seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow the doctor's instructions for medication, without self-medicating.

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Written by Jia Rui
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What should I do if I catch a cold during my menstrual period?

During menstruation, if cold symptoms occur and are mild, it is not recommended to use medication. Instead, drinking more warm water and resting is advisable. If the cold is severe, it is better to use traditional Chinese medicine with no side effects under the guidance of a doctor, as the body is weak and has lower immunity during menstruation, making it prone to colds. During menstruation, keep warm, avoid cold and chilling stimuli, eat a light diet with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, avoid vigorous exercise, and maintain personal hygiene.

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Written by Liao Bin
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Can you drink milk when you have a cold?

Whether you can drink milk when you have a cold depends on the specific condition. For those with a mild cold and no significant gastrointestinal symptoms, it is appropriate to drink warm milk. Since milk is rich in nutrients, containing high-quality protein, calories, amino acids, etc., it can be quite beneficial for the body's recovery. It also helps alleviate cold symptoms, especially easing symptoms like general body aches and fatigue. However, caution is needed for cold sufferers who have obvious gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly those with gastro-intestinal type colds displaying nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is advised not to drink milk in such cases to avoid worsening the gastrointestinal dysfunction and potentially prolonging the recovery period. Additionally, it is important to avoid taking milk with other medications during a cold, as it might affect the efficacy of the medications.

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Written by Yuan Qing
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How to relieve a cold and cough

The common cold is caused by typical viruses or bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract. Following a cold, the airways can become inflamed, leading to the secretion of mucus, consequently causing symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and phlegm production. Currently, many multi-ingredient cold medications on the market not only treat cold symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion but also effectively alleviate coughs caused by the cold. For example, medications like Phenol Anisamine Methylamine tablets and Acetaminophen Codeine tablets effectively treat coughs induced by the common cold. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)