Hygiene protocols during the coronaviruspandemic for athletes: biref report

Long-term and intensive physical exercise can change the function of different cells in the immune system in athletes, predisposing them to viral infections such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The purpose of this brief report was to provide protocols related to the immune system in athletes to prevent infectious diseases.

To examine immune system responses to sports activities, articles were collected from all databases: Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, Google Scholar, SID, and the most recent articles were selected.

High-intensity and long-term physical exercise can be effective in suppressing immune responses. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise can be an effective strategy. Maintaining the function of the immune system in athletes was dependent on nutritional strategies, sleep control, stress management, and strict adherence to proper exercise principles and health protocols. Athletes are more prone to viral infections in the early hours after strenuous, prolonged physical exercise; and they should be limited in contact with people who may increase their risk of infectious diseases. We should mention that moderate-intensity physical exercise can improve the function of immunoglobulins, anti-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophils, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T cells, and immature B cells. Maintaining social distance, especially immediately after strenuous exercise, is also recommended for athletes due to the increased risk of infectious diseases. The immune system has been considered an effective part of sports activities in athletes in recent years. The prevalence of viral diseases such as COVID-19 has not been and will not be for the first and last time in life. Therefore, using questionnaires and initial monitoring (adherence to diets, corona testing, adherence to health protocols) can be the first step.

Finally Due to the pandemic of coronary heart disease and its unknowingness, providing some health and nutrition guidelines for starting exercises and sports competitions to prevent the transmission of this disease is on the agenda of this article.