Jaded by Continuous Global Illness?
Persistent COVID-19 Fatigue: Understanding and Managing the Condition
Living with COVID-19 can have long-lasting effects, and one such impact is the development of persistent fatigue known as COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. This condition, characterised by prolonged tiredness that limits activity and persists even after rest and a good night's sleep, is a growing concern for health experts worldwide.
According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, it may be time to seek medical advice if COVID-19 fatigue persists long after recovery and starts limiting daily life. The NHS offers guidance on managing this condition, recommending strategies such as relaxation exercises or meditation to help manage post-COVID-19 anxiety.
The research institutions Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin have provided scientific evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can trigger Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Other symptoms accompanying this syndrome may include exhaustion, unexplained muscle and joint pain, poor concentration, headaches, and anxiety.
Mental health conditions like burnout may also accompany post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. Deep breathing techniques for anxiety can help people with COVID-19 fatigue feel calmer and more positive. The NHS also advises planning daily activities with rest breaks in mind and being kind to oneself. Maintaining an active lifestyle to boost energy levels and avoid increasing fatigue is also recommended.
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial in managing COVID-19 fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, a worsening of symptoms after any physical or mental activities, and brain fog as symptoms of post-COVID-19 fatigue.
People with COVID-19 fatigue syndrome may need to explain their medical condition to friends, family, and co-workers. Health experts are continually learning more about long-haul COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 treatments are becoming available.
It's important to note that as of July 2021, Long COVID can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The International Association for the Study of Pain estimated that 1 million cases of long-term fatigue may emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed Yong, who won a 2021 Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported that tens of thousands of people have been identified as having "long-hauler symptoms" many months after their COVID-19 disease, with the actual number likely being much higher, in the hundreds of thousands.
The NHS provides guidance on "getting moving again" after a period of illness. Factors that might indicate a need to see a doctor include worsening fatigue, no improvement after a month, worrying symptoms, and new symptoms.
In conclusion, COVID-19 fatigue syndrome is a complex condition that requires understanding and patience. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent fatigue after recovering from COVID-19, it's important to seek medical advice and implement the strategies suggested by health experts to manage this condition effectively.
