Post covid fatigue is a common symptom for long-haulers and it can make life difficult. It can make you feel tired, weak, sleepy or unable to focus.
Fatigue can be difficult to identify, but it’s important to seek medical help if you feel like your symptoms are getting worse.
Symptoms
The symptoms of post covid fatigue can be different for each patient. Some feel tired all the time, others may feel weak and have problems getting up or moving around.
Fatigue after COVID-19 can also affect your ability to think and remember things. This can make it difficult to plan activities, prioritize tasks, and complete work or school projects.
People who have long COVID often feel this fatigue for weeks or months after their initial infection. The reason for this lingering fatigue is not clear, but it may be related to inflammation triggered by the illness.
If you have this fatigue, it’s important to rest and give your body a chance to heal. Get plenty of sleep, and eat well to restore your energy levels. Try to avoid stressful activities, such as exercise and cleaning, when you are feeling unwell. This can help you feel better and recover more quickly. Keep track of your symptoms, so you can spot them early and take action if needed.
Causes
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, and it’s no surprise that it can linger for weeks or months after your infection. While fatigue isn’t serious in most cases, it can wreak havoc on your quality of life.
In extreme cases, post covid fatigue may last up to six months after the initial COVID-19 infection. For many people, it can make it hard to function, and it can even impact the quality of their relationships with family members and friends.
The causes of this symptom are still unknown, but researchers have suggested it may be linked to the body’s immune system. During the course of a viral infection, your immune system produces chemicals called cytokines that can cause a variety of symptoms.
Diagnosis
Post covid fatigue, also known as post viral syndrome or long COVID, is a serious health condition that affects many people who had a bout of infection with the coronavirus. Symptoms can be severe and linger for weeks or months after the first bout, making it hard to get through the day without help.
A diagnosis of post covid fatigue is made by a doctor based on your symptoms, history and a physical examination. You will likely be referred to a neurologist, occupational therapist or physical therapist to receive treatment.
You will need to be patient and take it one step at a time. For example, it’s important not to push yourself too much, because even a light workout could increase your fatigue. You should also keep a food diary so you can avoid foods that are known to deplete energy levels and make your fatigue worse. It’s also wise to stock up on nutrient-rich foods to boost your energy levels and get you through the day.
Treatment
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms for long COVID patients. It may last for weeks, months or even years after you get over your initial infection.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they’re affecting you. They may refer you to a specialist who can help relieve your symptoms and support your recovery.
There are a number of ways to treat fatigue, including getting enough sleep and staying hydrated. You can also try pacing yourself and not over-exerting yourself.
Tania Mucci-Elliott, MD, an infectious diseases specialist and clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City, says post-viral fatigue occurs because your immune system tries to fight off the virus. It releases chemicals called cytokines that trigger inflammation, fever and tissue death.
While there is no cure for post-viral fatigue, it can be treated with physiotherapy and other treatments that relieve symptoms and boost your energy level. It’s important to talk to your GP about how to manage your symptoms and stay healthy, so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
