Post-viral syndrome, fondly known as post-viral fatigue, has been a hot topic recently. Whilst the term has been highly popularised throughout the pandemic, post-viral syndrome was prevalent long before COVID-19 entered our worlds. Here, James Jensen from Australian Nutrition Centre shares everything you need to know about post-viral syndrome.

 

What is post-viral syndrome?

As the name suggests, post-viral syndrome refers to a sense of tiredness and weakness that lingers after a person has fought off a viral infection. The initial infection can stimulate the immune cells to mount a response that can affect the brain, circulatory system and immune system. However, for people who suffer from post-viral syndrome, their immune signalling and inflammation doesn’t switch off after the infection has ‘gone.’ This means some people don’t recover past the two-week mark and can have symptoms lasting two months or longer.

 

What are common symptoms?

While symptoms vary from person to person and can change over time, hallmark symptoms include long-lasting fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and joint pain. This occurs because the mitochondria (the things that make energy for us) become compromised in their ability to produce energy.

This self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation keeps the body in a stalemate, meaning people usually don’t get better without some sort of intervention.

 

How can this be treated?

While there is currently no cure for post-viral syndrome, there are some steps that can be taken to help improve symptoms including: 

  • Removing any extra burden on the body (this includes excess calorie intake, not ‘overdoing it’ with exercise, avoiding toxins and processed foods). 
  • Correcting any specific nutrient deficiencies through a balanced diet and supplementing where necessary.
  • Treating or minimising other medical conditions.

The main goal here is to help the body to move out of this self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation and allow it to ‘get back to normal.’

 

Can I avoid this?

It is important to remember that post-viral fatigue doesn’t discriminate, and whether someone experiences a mild case or severe case of a virus doesn’t make a difference as to how it affects them long-term. While it can be difficult to fully prevent yourself from getting post-viral syndrome, Zinc and Vitamin D both play a key role in supporting the immune system (especially for those who seem to always get sick easily). These nutrients have immune-boosting properties which provide the body with that extra layer of support against viral infections.

Remember, if you or someone you know is suffering, there is a way out. It isn’t a fast process, but once you get the right treatment and professional help, it marks the first step on the road to recovery.

 

This advice is general in nature and should not be supplemented for tailored health advice.