Symptoms, triggers, and remedies for post-viral syndrome
Post-viral syndrome, also known as post-viral fatigue, is a recognised condition that can persist for weeks to months after a person recovers from a viral infection, such as the flu [1][3]. When symptoms last beyond six months without an alternative explanation, this may be diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or post-infective fatigue syndrome (PIFS) [1][3].
This condition arises due to a complex interplay of immune, neurological, and metabolic factors triggered by the initial viral infection [1][3]. Possible causes include immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic predisposition, physical or emotional trauma, and post-exertional malaise [1][3].
Symptoms of post-viral syndrome are multisystemic, including both physical and cognitive components. Physical symptoms include profound fatigue, muscle weakness and pain, and sleep disturbances. Cognitive symptoms, often referred to as "brain fog", involve difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mental sluggishness [1][5]. Mood and psychological symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression may also occur [1][4].
Treatment for post-viral syndrome focuses on symptom relief and supporting recovery. This may involve medical assessment to rule out other causes of chronic fatigue and comorbidities [1]. Supportive care includes adequate rest and a gradual increase in activity to avoid post-exertional malaise [1][5]. Nutritional and immune support may involve supplementation with zinc, Vitamin C, and herbal medicines like Astragalus and Echinacea [2]. Psychological support can help address mood disturbances and coping strategies [1]. Personalised recovery programs, considering immune function, diet, sleep hygiene, and stress management, are often beneficial [2].
Research-based approaches, such as the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS), aim to reset dysfunctional neurological feedback loops contributing to symptoms [5].
If symptoms of post-viral syndrome last longer than a few weeks, a person should consult a doctor. Home remedies may include sleeping 7-9 hours each night, taking naps, conserving energy, drinking plenty of water, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be suggested for treating headaches or other general aches and pains.
In some cases, doctors may diagnose a person with a separate disorder, such as CFS, after a prolonged period of post-viral syndrome. Doctors may recommend taking vitamins, eating a nutritious diet, and engaging in mild exercise during the day.
Any viral infection can potentially trigger post-viral syndrome, including the common cold, West Nile virus, pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, HIV, COVID-19, and others. Some people may find stress reduction techniques, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or massages helpful in managing symptoms.
Despite ongoing research, the medical community is not certain why post-viral syndrome arises, but theories suggest it may be due to the lingering effects of the virus or an overload of the immune system. A study reported that 31% of people experienced prolonged fatigue of longer than 6 months following treatment for West Nile virus, with the average duration of this symptom being 5 years [4].
References: [1] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Post-viral fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-viral-fatigue-syndrome/ [2] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2020). Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/post-viral-fatigue-syndrome-pvfs-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs [3] American Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society (AMECS). (2020). Post-viral fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.amcs.org/post-viral-fatigue-syndrome/ [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Post-West Nile virus fatigue. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/about/complications/fatigue.html [5] Dynamic Neural Retraining System. (2021). Post-viral fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.dnrsystem.com/conditions/post-viral-fatigue-syndrome/
- Aq personalized recovery programs, considering immune function, diet, sleep hygiene, and stress management, are often beneficial for individuals suffering from post-viral syndrome.
- Sclerosis multiple, a neurodegenerative disease, may occur as a comorbidity in individuals with post-viral syndrome.
- Nsclc, a type of lung cancer, is not a direct cause of post-viral syndrome, but HIV, a virus that can lead to reduced immune function, may make an individual more susceptible to both conditions.
- Obesity, a metabolic disease, and diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, may exacerbate the symptoms of post-viral syndrome due to their shared impact on the immune system.
- Type, when referring to the category of a disease, can encompass various conditions that may coexist with post-viral syndrome, such as depression, psoriatic arthritis, Crohns, Alzheimers, and migraine.
- Disease, in general, can disrupt an individual's health-and-wellness, mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, and sleep patterns, potentially contributing to the development or persistence of post-viral syndrome.
- Science continues to explore predictive factors for post-viral syndrome, with Ad (adverse reactions) to certain medications or therapies potentially playing a role in prolonging symptoms.
- Therapies-and-treatments for post-viral syndrome focus on addressing both the physical and cognitive symptoms, such as medication for depression, mental-health counseling, and immunosuppressive drugs for psoriatic arthritis.
- Sleep, an essential aspect of maintaining overall health, may be affected in individuals suffering from post-viral syndrome, leading to further fatigue and impaired cognitive functioning.
- HIV, a virus that weakens the immune system, can potentially trigger post-viral syndrome, similar to how it increases the risk for developing nsclc.
- Over-the-counter AD (analgesic) drugs may be used for managing symptoms like headaches in individuals with post-viral syndrome, but it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
