Post-viral fatigue: Implications for long Covid, by A P Smith in Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases 6(1): 17-23, 2021 [doi : 10.9734/AJRID/2021/v6i130182]

Review abstract:

There has been extensive research on post-viral fatigue, and the present mini-review and
commentary provides an overview of the effects associated with different infecting agents.

Fatigue is not only a subjective state, rather it has an impact on our ability to carry out everyday functions, and its effect can be demonstrated using performance tasks. It is not surprising, therefore, that persistent effects of COVID-19 are observed, and the key features of Long Covid are reviewed here.

Suggestions for further research which will provide a better understanding of Long Covid and  provide a basis for prevention and management are also discussed.

3. CONCLUSIONS
Post-viral fatigue has been recognised and studied for a long time. The present article summarises previous research on post-viral fatigue. [Influenza, Common cold, Rabbit fever, Mononucleosis, Human Herpesvirus, Enterovirus, Parvovirus, Retrovirus, Ross River virus]

Upper respiratory tract infections often lead to short-lived fatigue, and this demonstrates the importance of considering time periods when the person no longer has the acute symptoms. More severe infections can lead to long-lasting fatigue, and there is good evidence that human herpesviruses and enteroviruses can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is not surprising, therefore, that a severe disease such as COVID-19 can lead to persistent syndromes. Long Covid has recently been recognised, and the features of the condition are described here.

At the moment, we are at the stage of having identified the condition. Further urgent research is now required to get a better understanding of underlying risk factors and mechanisms, and to develop appropriate prevention and management strategies