It is normal to feel tired, exhausted and low on energy when you have been sick and down with any viral infection. This tiredness is a part of the healing process which can linger for weeks or months.

This lack of energy that you experience while recovering from any viral infection is known as post-viral fatigue. It can make you sleep more, feel unsteady on your feet, make standing for long periods difficult and also affect your ability to concentrate on work.

Post-viral fatigue mostly continues for some time after the infection has cleared. However, it is important to recover from this fatigue in the due course of time. Because, if not addressed in time, it can make you susceptible to other viruses and infections.

Symptoms of Post-viral Fatigue

While lack of energy is one of the significant indicators of post-viral fatigue, one might also experience other symptoms including:

• Poor concentration
• Headache or pain in muscles and joints
• Muscle stiffness or weakness
• Sore throat and swollen glands
• Breathlessness and heart palpitation
• Weak immunity
• Sleep disruption and depression

Addressing Post-viral Fatigue

So what should you do if you’re suffering from post-viral fatigue?

While there are no precise treatments, there are many things you can do to ease your symptoms and aid your recovery.

Nutritional Support

It is important to provide some extra nutritional support to enhance mitochondrial function. Some herbs and supplements can help restore energy. They can help in overcoming the effect of the virus on the immune system, liver function and digestive tract.

Good Rest

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important activities you can do for your health. When you sleep, the growth hormone is produced which repairs the tissue, regulates immune function and detoxes the brain and organ. Besides, sleep produces serotonin, the hormone that is responsible for regulating mood.

Moderate Activity

Moderate levels of activity like walking and stretching will increase circulation and improve lymph flow. The body takes time to recover and regain strength and stability. To engage in some moderate exercise, but don’t overdo it.

Sun Therapy

Soaking in the sun helps get the body Vitamin D. Since low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with a low performing immune system, it is important to take your dose of Vitamin D to recover faster.

The Bottomline

The recovery time from post-viral fatigue varies from person to person. Some people are back to normal within a few days to a week, while others experience the symptoms for long. However, getting an early diagnosis may improve recovery.

As your body gradually recovers from the illness, remember to keep a balance of diet, rest and exercise.