Post-viral syndrome, or post-viral fatigue, refers to a sense of tiredness and weakness that lingers after a person has fought off a viral infection. It can arise even after common infections, such as the flu.
A person with post-viral syndrome may experience trouble concentrating and headaches.
As the name suggests, post-viral syndrome typically occurs after a person experiences the effects of a virus. It can develop even after seemingly simple bouts of the flu or the common cold.
Once the person's body has removed the virus, post-viral syndrome may make them feel drained of energy and generally unwell. This feeling may linger for days to months after a viral infection.
The trigger for post-viral syndrome appears to be a reaction to the virus itself. Many doctors will treat post-viral syndrome in the same way as they treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), as the two can have a similar presentation.
However, while CFS causes symptoms for no apparent reason, the symptoms of post-viral syndrome appear to have their origins in the infection.
The medical community is not sure why the symptoms arise. Some experts believe that it may be due to the lingering effects of the virus as the body continues to clear it out.
As a study in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics notes, another theory is that the virus overloads the immune system, causing a reaction that triggers symptoms similar to those of CFS.
The authors of an earlier study suggest that the symptom of fatigue after a viral infection is due to inflammation in the brain.
Viruses cause the immune system to respond and attack them. This response causes stress and inflammation in the body. The effects of this response often leave people feeling down, fatigued, and sometimes depressed.
Almost any viral infection can trigger post-viral syndrome, including:
common cold
flu
Post-viral syndrome may be more prevalent or apparent in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
The symptoms of post-viral syndrome may vary from person to person, but most people describe feeling fatigued and generally unwell. This feeling persists no matter how many hours of sleep the person gets or how well they take care of themselves.
Post-viral syndrome may cause additional symptoms, such as:
confusion
trouble concentrating
stiff joints
In some cases, it may be that the body is simply taking extra time to clear the virus out completely. However, if symptoms such as these linger for longer than a few weeks, a person should talk to their doctor.
Treatment and remedies
A doctor may prescribe pain relievers to treat aches and pains. As members of the medical community have different opinions on what post-viral fatigue is, it can be difficult for them to agree on how to treat it, and recommendations will differ.
In some cases, the person will require no treatment, and managing the symptoms until they feel better will be enough.
To this end, doctors may recommend some simple symptom management tools, such as over-the-counter pain relievers to treat headaches or other general aches and pains.
Home remedies
Some lifestyle tips may help support the body as it works through post-viral syndrome. These include:
sleeping 7–9 hours each night
taking naps throughout the day as necessary
conserving energy and getting plenty of rest
drinking plenty of water
engaging in mild exercise during the day
eating a balanced and healthful diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods
avoiding heavy, greasy foods, such as fried or fast foods
Some people may also feel more rested after trying stress reduction techniques. The American Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society note that almost 50% of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and CFS — both of which can cause symptoms similar to those of post-viral syndrome — use alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, to help them cope.
Getting a massage may also help some people relax and deal with muscle pain.
These tips may empower the body as it works through post-viral syndrome, and they may help reduce the recovery time.
Recovery timeline
A person should talk to their doctor if symptoms do not resolve within a few weeks.
The recovery time for people with post-viral syndrome can vary widely. A 2017 studynoted that recovery time appears to be better the more quickly a person receives their diagnosis.
Post-viral syndrome is temporary. Although the effects may linger, many people can expect their symptoms to resolve within a few weeks.
In some cases, symptoms may last for longer, even up to several months. A smaller study in the journal Viral Immunology reported that 31% of people experienced prolonged fatigue of longer than 6 months following treatment for West Nile virus. The average duration of this symptom among these individuals was 5 years.
After a time, doctors may diagnose a person with a separate disorder, such as CFS. They will then order any necessary treatments and possibly give the individual some additional tips on how to manage their symptoms.
Summary
Recovering from a viral infection can drain the body. Yet, even after the body clears out the virus, the symptoms, including fatigue, may linger.
The medical community is not sure exactly what causes post-viral syndrome. Some people believe that it is a condition in its own right, whereas others believe that the virus may have triggered another condition, such as CFS or depression.
Some people with post-viral syndrome — often those who get an early diagnosis — may get better in a few weeks. However, some cases may last a few months, and doctors may offer other treatment options for people who experience bothersome symptoms for a longer period.
Anyone experiencing symptoms for more than a few weeks after recovering from the virus should see their doctor for a diagnosis.
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