Cough, cold, sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue are some of the many symptoms of COVID-19. Patients experience these symptoms when infected with SARS-CoV-2. These signs should subside once the patient recovers. However, this doesn’t happen in all cases. Some patients experience COVID symptoms way past recovering. One such condition that many experience is chronic fatigue syndrome post COVID. So, what is this syndrome? What causes it? What are the symptoms and risk factors? And, how can it be treated and prevented? For answers to these questions, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Head, Department of Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Post COVID?
Many COVID patients after recovery experience tiredness, muscle pain and tenderness, and a significant drop in energy. It is called chronic fatigue syndrome post COVID. The severity of COVID infection has an impact, as the severity of the syndrome is proportional to the severity of the infection, Dr. Gupta explained.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Pain in the muscles called myalgia
- Muscle tenderness
- Tiredness
- A significant drop in energy levels
Also read: COVID-19 Decision Fatigue: Effects And Tips To Overcome By Expert
Causes Behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Post COVID
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There can be multiple causes behind the post-COVID chronic fatigue syndrome, such as:
- Post-COVID Stress Syndrome: It causes hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalance in the body, which, in turn, becomes unable to provide enough strength and support to the muscles.
- Inflammation: Post-COVID, there is significant inflammation in the body. It leads to oxidative stress in muscles and an imbalance between leukotriene and prostaglandin. Such inflammation in muscles causes myalgia, tiredness, and muscle tenderness.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Post COVID: Risk Factors
There is a group of people who are more susceptible to this syndrome than others. The risk factors for post-COVID chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Vitamin Deficiency: Specifically, a deficiency of vitamin D and B12.
- CRP: Raised CRP (C-Reactive Protein) is another risk factor. CRP is made in the liver and enters the bloodstream in response to inflammation.
- Those who have inflammatory muscle disorders.
- People who already suffer from chronic pain, such as that due to fibromyalgia.
Also read: How To Overcome COVID Fatigue? Explains Public Health Expert Swati Bathwal
Treatment For Post-COVID Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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This syndrome is treated:
- With a combination of vitamins, medicines that improve the oxidative balance in the body, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory medications.
- In case the syndrome is severe, with excessive inflammation and joint pain and tenderness, steroids may be given.
How To Prevent Post-COVID Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Although treatment is available for this syndrome, prevention is crucial. It is because a lack of energy and excessive muscle pain can be crippling, barring you to function properly. Gladly there are ways to prevent it, which include:
- Try to manage stress caused by the illness. Make all efforts to take the disease healthily.
- Focus on nutrition. Consume enough milk, green leafy vegetables, and fruits, recommends Dr. Gupta.
Other than these, treat COVID properly and completely. Do not allow it to persist. Also, treat the inflammation immediately post COVID recovery.
(With inputs from Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Head, Department of Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram)
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