During a COVID infection, people are frequently surprised by how tired they become.
Fatigue is more than just being tired or drowsy. It's a feeling of exhaustion that persists despite rest or adequate sleep. It's most likely due to our bodies' powerful immune response to the virus.
It can manifest itself in unusual ways at times. Despite rest and a good night's sleep, fatigue occurs with little effort, lasts a long time, and limits your usual activity. It can make people feel drowsy and make it difficult to concentrate or recall memories.
Others describe fatigue as generalized exhaustion, regardless of whether or not they are moving. Physical, mental, or emotional fatigue, or any combination of these, can affect people.
However, if you test positive (whether or not you've been vaccinated), you may feel the effects of the virus for longer than the five-day period during which you must be isolated from others.
Here's what we know about COVID fatigue and what you can do about it.
Gradually resume exercise: A gradual return to exercise may aid your recovery, but you may require assistance in managing or avoiding fatigue afterward. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists are some of the therapists who specialize in this. Solicit advice from your doctor.
Pace yourself: Adjust your return to normal activities according to your energy levels. Select your priorities and concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can't.
Physical, social, cognitive (thinking), or emotional activities are all possible, and some are more tiring than others. Diaries can assist you in identifying unhelpful activity patterns, such as irregular sleep patterns and 'boom and bust' behaviors.
Eat nutritious food varieties: You may not feel like eating depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you don't eat, however, you might feel even worse.
COVID can make this difficult due to loss of smell, taste, and appetite. However, try to think of food as a way to provide both energy and the micronutrients your body requires to heal.
Prioritize sleep: Get a restful night's sleep. Fatigue is exacerbated when your sleep pattern is disrupted. Reading the sleeping well' section can help you improve your sleeping habits.
Watch yourself: Keep notes to track your fatigue and look for signs of improvement over time. You will have good and bad days, but overall, you should be on a slow path to recovery. If you are going backwards, seek advice from a health professional, such as your primary care physician.
