The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Fatigue after COVID is way more than just feeling tired. 5 tips on what to do about it

  • Written by Natasha Yates, Assistant Professor, General Practice, Bond University
Fatigue after COVID is way more than just feeling tired. 5 tips on what to do about it

People are often surprised by how fatigued they are during a COVID infection.

Fatigue is more than being worn out or sleepy. It’s an excessive tiredness that persists despite resting or good sleep[1]. It’s likely a result of our body’s strong immune response to the virus.

But in some people the fatigue drags on even when the infection is gone. This can be debilitating and frustrating. Simply resting more makes no difference.

Here’s what we know about post-COVID fatigue, and what can help.

Fatigue or tiredness? What’s the difference?

The term fatigue can mean different things to different people. Some people mean their muscles are easily weakened. Walking to the mailbox feels like they have run a marathon. Others describe a generalised exhaustion, whether they are moving or not. People can experience physical, mental or emotional[2] fatigue, or any combination of these.

The difference between tiredness and fatigue is this: tiredness can get better with enough rest, while fatigue persists[3] even if someone is sleeping and resting more than ever.

Read more: Still coughing after COVID? Here's why it happens and what to do about it[4]

How big a problem is this?

Because there is no agreed definition of post-COVID fatigue, it is impossible to give exact numbers of how many people experience it.

Estimates vary considerably worldwide. One review of 21 studies[5] found 13-33% of people were fatigued 16-20 weeks after their symptoms started. This is a worryingly widespread problem.

When should I see my GP?

There are many potential causes of fatigue. Even before the pandemic, fatigue was one of the most common reasons to see a GP[6].

Most serious causes can be ruled out when your GP asks about your symptoms and examines you. Sometimes your GP will investigate further, perhaps by ordering blood tests.

Symptoms that should raise particular concern include fevers, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding or bruising, pain (anywhere) that wakes you from sleep, or drenching night sweats.

If your fatigue is getting worse rather than better, or you cannot care for yourself properly, you really should seek medical care.

Is it like long COVID?

Early in the pandemic, we realised some patients had a cluster of debilitating symptoms that dragged on for months, which we now call long COVID.

Some 85%[7] of long COVID patients experience fatigue, making it one of the most common long COVID symptoms.

However, people with long COVID have a range of other symptoms, such as “brain fog”, headaches and muscle aches. Patients with long COVID therefore experience more than fatigue, and sometimes don’t have fatigue at all.

Read more: Social media, activism, trucker caps: the fascinating story behind long COVID[8]

Is this like chronic fatigue syndrome?

We knew about chronic fatigue syndrome[9], otherwise known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, well before COVID[10].

This often develops after a viral infection (for instance after infection with Epstein-Barr virus[11]). So, understandably, there has been concern around the coronavirus potentially triggering chronic fatigue syndrome.

Read more: Explainer: what is chronic fatigue syndrome?[12]

There are striking similarities between chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID. Both involve debilitating fatigue, brain fog and/or muscle aches.

But at this stage, researchers are still untangling any link[13] between post-COVID fatigue, long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome.

For now, we know many people will have post-COVID fatigue but thankfully do not go on to develop long COVID or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fatigued woman lying on sofa clutching her head
Many people will have post-COVID fatigue but do not not develop long COVID or chronic fatigue syndrome. Shutterstock[14]

What helps me manage my fatigue?

Expect you or a loved one may develop post-COVID fatigue, regardless of how unwell you or they were[15] during the actual infection.

Vaccines help reduce the risk of post-COVID fatigue by lowering the chance of catching COVID in the first place. Vaccinated people who do catch COVID are less likely to report fatigue[16] and are less likely to develop long COVID[17].

However, vaccination is not 100% protective and there are plenty of fully vaccinated people who go on to develop longer term fatigue[18].

The evidence for what helps you recover from post-COVID fatigue is in its infancy. However, a few things do help:

1. pace yourself: adjust the return to normal activities to your energy levels. Choose your priorities[19] and focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t

2. return to exercise gradually: a gradual return to exercise[20] may help your recovery, but you may need some support about how to manage or avoid fatigue afterwards. Some therapists – occupational therapists, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists – specialise in this. So ask your GP for a recommendation

3. prioritise sleep: rather than feeling guilty about sleeping so much, remind yourself that while you sleep, your body conserves energy[21] and heals[22]. Disrupted sleep patterns are an unfortunate COVID symptom. Having a strict bedtime, while also resting when you feel tired during the day, is important

4. eat a range of nutritious foods: loss of smell, taste and appetite from COVID can make this tricky. However, try to view food as a way of fuelling your body with both energy and the micronutrients it needs to heal. Be careful not to spend a fortune on unproven “remedies” that often look good in small studies, but more robust research finds make little difference[23]

5. monitor your fatigue: keep a diary to monitor your fatigue, and look for a gradual improvement. You will have good days and bad days, but overall there should be a slow trajectory towards recovery. If you are going backwards, get input from a health professional, such as your GP.

References

  1. ^ despite resting or good sleep (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  2. ^ physical, mental or emotional (academic.oup.com)
  3. ^ fatigue persists (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
  4. ^ Still coughing after COVID? Here's why it happens and what to do about it (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ One review of 21 studies (academic.oup.com)
  6. ^ common reasons to see a GP (www.racgp.org.au)
  7. ^ 85% (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  8. ^ Social media, activism, trucker caps: the fascinating story behind long COVID (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ chronic fatigue syndrome (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
  10. ^ well before COVID (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ Epstein-Barr virus (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  12. ^ Explainer: what is chronic fatigue syndrome? (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ untangling any link (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  14. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  15. ^ regardless of how unwell you or they were (journals.plos.org)
  16. ^ less likely to report fatigue (www.medrxiv.org)
  17. ^ less likely to develop long COVID (ukhsa.koha-ptfs.co.uk)
  18. ^ develop longer term fatigue (www.nature.com)
  19. ^ Choose your priorities (publicdocuments.sth.nhs.uk)
  20. ^ gradual return to exercise (bjsm.bmj.com)
  21. ^ conserves energy (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  22. ^ heals (www.health.qld.gov.au)
  23. ^ make little difference (www.mayoclinic.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/fatigue-after-covid-is-way-more-than-just-feeling-tired-5-tips-on-what-to-do-about-it-179478

The Times Features

From Classic to Contemporary: 5 Timeless Costumes for Any Party

When it comes to dressing up for a costume party, you want to choose something that is not only fun but also memorable. Whether you're attending a Halloween event, a themed gathe...

Action Figures as Art: The Growing Trend of Custom Figures and Modding

Action figures have long been regarded as collectible items, valued by enthusiasts and fans for their connection to popular culture. However, in recent years, a growing trend has...

The Ultimate Guide to Securing Grants for Your Small Business in Australia

Running a small business in Australia comes with both opportunities and challenges. While it can be rewarding, funding your business through the early stages or periods of growth...

Men’s Guide to Styling Suits with Sweaters for the Ultimate Winter Look

Winter brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a sharp and stylish wardrobe. While suits are a staple of a well-dressed man’s closet, staying warm during t...

Discover the Charm of a Girl's White Dress

Key Highlights Timeless elegance: White dresses feel pure and have classic charm. They are perfect for many types of events. Versatile styles: You can pick from lace, embroid...

Top Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Devices in Australia

Key Highlights Lumitter™ has advanced red light therapy devices that combine new ideas with wellness. Red light therapy helps lower pain and swelling and boosts skin health. ...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping