2025-12-22 09:00

The question of whether you can, or should, play basketball with the flu is one I hear surprisingly often in my practice, especially from dedicated athletes and weekend warriors alike. My answer, almost invariably, is a firm but empathetic no. Let me explain why, drawing not just from textbook medicine but from years of seeing patients push through illness only to regret it later. The desire to get back on the court is powerful—I get it. The rhythm of the dribble, the camaraderie, the sheer physical release are hard to replace. Just this week, I was reading about Fil-Nigerian AJ Edu arriving in the country and being present at the Gilas jersey unveiling. That excitement, that pull to be part of the team and the game, is palpable even from a news headline. It’s exactly that kind of passion that makes an athlete want to suit up even when they’re feeling under the weather. But as a doctor, my job is to tell you that passion needs to be tempered with some serious medical wisdom.

When you have the flu, your body is already fighting a significant battle. Influenza isn't just a bad cold; it's a systemic viral infection. Your immune system is in overdrive, deploying resources to combat the virus, which often leads to that familiar constellation of symptoms: fever, muscle aches, profound fatigue, and sometimes respiratory issues. Adding the intense physical demand of a basketball game—with its sprinting, jumping, and constant motion—places an enormous additional strain on your cardiovascular system. I’ve seen data suggesting that during a competitive game, an athlete's heart rate can average between 150 to 190 beats per minute. Now, imagine asking a heart that’s already stressed by fever and dehydration to sustain that. It’s a recipe for complications. The most significant risk, and one I stress to every patient, is myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Studies indicate that viral infections are a leading cause of myocarditis, and vigorous exercise during the acute phase can exacerbate it. While the exact incidence in flu patients who exercise is hard to pin down, some research points to a risk as high as 1 in 100,000 for young athletes during outbreaks, which is far too high when we’re talking about potential heart damage.

Beyond your heart, playing with the flu is a disservice to your recovery and your teammates. The fatigue and impaired coordination from the illness significantly increase your risk of injury—a turned ankle, a awkward fall, a muscle pull. You’re simply not at your physical or mental peak. Furthermore, and this is a point I feel strongly about from a public health perspective, you become a contagion risk. Influenza is notoriously contagious, especially in close-contact settings like a basketball court. One infected player can, through sweat, shared equipment, and respiratory droplets, potentially sideline an entire team for a week or more. Think about the AJ Edu example. If a key player for Gilas showed up to practice with the flu, trying to tough it out, he could inadvertently jeopardize the readiness of the whole squad ahead of an important tournament. The team ethos isn't about being a hero while sick; it's about being responsible for the collective well-being.

So, when is it safe to return? This is where I offer a more nuanced guide. The old adage of "feeding a cold, starving a fever" is less useful than a simple, symptom-based rule I’ve found reliable. First, you must be completely fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Fever is a clear sign your body is still actively fighting. Second, listen to your energy levels. If you’re still experiencing that deep, bone-weary fatigue, you’re not ready. A good test is to see if you can comfortably climb a flight of stairs without getting winded. Finally, I advise a gradual return. Don’t go from your sickbed to a full-court, five-on-five game. Start with light shooting, some gentle ball-handling drills, maybe a slow jog. Your first session back should be at about 50-60% intensity. If you tolerate that well over the next 24-48 hours, you can cautiously ramp it up. This phased approach, which might take a week from the first day you felt symptoms, allows your body to fully recover its strength and reduces the chance of a relapse. Personally, I’ve found that patients who rush back are far more likely to suffer a secondary infection or a prolonged period of subpar performance.

In the end, the decision hinges on a shift in mindset. The discipline of a true athlete isn't just displayed in pushing through pain on the court; it's also shown in the wisdom to rest and recover properly. That jersey, like the one unveiled for Gilas, represents a commitment to the team and to your own long-term health. Suiting up when you’re contagious and physically compromised undermines both. My professional opinion, backed by both clinical evidence and years of observation, is clear: respect the flu. Let your body win its fight without the added burden of intense sport. The court will be there when you’re fully recovered, and you’ll return stronger, sharper, and without having risked your health or the health of others. Sometimes, the smartest and toughest play is the one you make off the court.