Post Viral Fatigue usually affects individuals between their 30s and 50s and is comparatively more common in women. It is quite difficult to diagnose since its symptoms resemble symptoms of other conditions, so physicians must eliminate all other probable causes of fatigue before concluding that it is post viral. If you experience any of the below symptoms for more than 4 months even if your tests are clear then you may be diagnosed with PVFS.
First of all, extreme conditions of fatigue are a major symptom. This fatigue is not relieved by sleep and body aches more after waking up in the morning. It is referred to as disabling fatigue because it interferes with normal activities of the patient. .
Some of the aches and pains mentioned above include headaches, muscle and joint pains, sore throat, tender or painful lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms, or even other inexplicable pains that occur in the body. These combined with the extreme fatigue can lead to post viral fatigue and can make the patient’s life very difficult.
Psychological symptoms also affect the patient like anxiety, depression and irritability. Even though they do not happen on a daily basis, depression and anxiety can lead to annoyances in the life of the patient.
Loss of appetite and resulting weight loss is yet another sign of this disease. It is recommended that patients eat healthy diets even though they might not have an appetite, to save the body from weakness. Physical discomfort, like malaise or dizziness, is a result of poor eating.
Certain sleep issues, are joined by Post Viral Fatigue, like insomnia and restless sleep. The worry, anxiety and stress can keep a person awake throughout the night, giving the patient a stiff back, headache and leaving them restless. This will add to the stiffness and morning pain, while raising the possibility of mood swings and panic attacks for the remainder of the day. It is suggested that patients try sleep enhancement techniques prior to taking sleep improvement medications.
Treatment for Post Viral Fatigue will be with different medications to control the aforementioned symptoms. Patients can take antidepressants, painkillers and add therapy meetings to help alleviate the fatigue. As a good rule of thumb a patient should get plenty of sleep and keep away from tiring activities throughout the day till the fatigue has gone. There are more details on PVFS symptoms available at online.
Post Viral Fatigue is common in people between the age of 30s and 50s and strikes women more often than men.