Managing immune health in sports – A practical guide for athletes and coaches [Infektprävention im Leistungssport – Ein praktischer Leitfaden für Trainer und Sportler]

Abstract

The prevention of infectious diseases is particularly important in athletes who need a good all-season health status to be optimally prepared for competition. › Since the immune system is highly responsive to exercise, periods of intensified training induce a transient immune dysfunction. Athletes regularly encounter additional challenges, such as low energy availability, oxidative stress, psychological stress, sleep disruption, long-haul travel, overreaching periods and an imbalance of exercise and recovery. Moreover, exercise training performed in specific environments, such as high altitude, cold or heat, represents an even higher than usual threat to the immune function. › This review summarizes various recommendations which should help to reduce the athlete’s immune disturbances and the risk of infection. An appropriate management of external and internal exercise loads, adequate recovery, as well as maintaining energy homeostasis by sufficient energy, fluid, and macronutrient intake is recommended. The observance of sleep hygiene strategies, general vaccination advice and instructions for exercising in specific environments is beneficial. Compliance with fundamental hygiene strategies can also reduce pathogen exposure in athletes and thus contribute to maintaining health. › It is concluded that these main strategies of protection against infection should be included in the early education of coaches and young athletes, leading to more professional management of disease prevention.