Germs and Infections You Could Catch at the Gym

Streptococcus pyogenes

What It Is: “Nearly all cases of skin and soft tissue infections are caused by staph or strep bacteria,” says Dr. Levine. But S. pyogenes is the main cause of cellulitis, a painful skin infection that usually starts from a cut or opening on the skin. Symptoms: This infection causes swelling, warmth, blistering, pain, as well as a possible fever that spreads quickly. Pre-existing skin conditions like jock itch or ringworm can make you more susceptible, explains Dr. Levine; so can poor circulation, a prior history of infection, or a compromised immune system, which can happen with conditions like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. “This is due to poor circulation contributing to poor wound healing,” says Dr. Levine.