Post viral fatigue in Covid-19, by Karen Leslie, Dr Michelle Bull, Natalie Hilliard and Dr Nicola Clague-Baker in Frontline [Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Journal] June 2020 no. 6
Excerpt:
What is post viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and how do I recognise it?
PVFS is a persistent state of ill health following a viral infection. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of energy, muscular aches and pains, intermittent flares of viral symptoms and an inability to return to previous levels of activity. PVFS is not the same as being deconditioned. Ignoring or exacerbating the symptoms may worsen them.
If there has been a sustained change to daily life and if rehabilitation isn’t progressing as you think it should, consider PVFS.
Where, say, a person may have returned to work but uses their weekends to recover, or is struggling even with basic daily tasks, it’s worth considering PVFS.
With PVFS there is a possibility of development into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME – often known as chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS). The link between severe viral infection and ME is clear. Previous outbreaks of SARS and Epstein Barr saw a 10 per cent rise in the number of patients diagnosed with ME1,2. ME affects approximately 250,000 people in the UK, more than multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined. Around 25 per cent of patients are completely bedbound.
If I suspect someone recovering from Covid-19 is developing PVFS, what should I do?
Adapt to provide pacing strategies to work within energy levels, rather than push beyond limits. And make sure you are clearly communicating your concerns with the multidisciplinary team for ongoing monitoring and support.
The best approach is to ensure adequate:
- rest
- nutrition
- sleep
How do I know if a person with PVFS has developed ME?
The hallmark feature of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is characterised by a set of symptoms including fever, muscle ache, headache, sensitivities, fatigue and dizziness. PEM is triggered by physical or cognitive exertion, which can be as simple as taking a shower or talking to a relative, and it can last days, weeks, or even months. PEM can manifest up to 24-48 hours after exertion, so it is not always apparent what activity was the trigger.
The authors continue with clinical signs to look for, advice on avoiding graded exercise therapy to avoid triggering PEM.
Full article also available on ME Association site
