Increase Your Workouts as You Begin to Feel Better

Even a minor case of the flu can keep you homebound for a week or more, and it’s important to NOT hit the ground running the moment you feel fine. “When your fever's gone and the worst of the symptoms are pretty much gone, just take an easy walk and see how you respond,” Nieman says.

Ease back into your regular activities only after you’ve been symptom-free for at least a week to give your immune system a chance to bounce back. The IDEA Health and Fitness Association, an association for fitness professionals, recommends two days of low-intensity workouts for every day you were down with the flu.

All experts have one final piece of advice regarding exercise and the flu: No matter what decision you make for yourself regarding your workouts, don't exercise at the gym and risk spreading the infection to others.