Post-Viral Fatigue?

Feeling stuck in fatigue, even weeks after being sick? You’re not alone.

If you’ve recently been through a viral infection, it’s not uncommon to experience lingering fatigue. While post-viral fatigue usually resolves within a few weeks, certain viruses can cause symptoms to persist for much longer. This is particularly true for infections like Herpes Simplex (chickenpox or shingles), Epstein-Barr (glandular fever), viral pneumonia, and even Covid-19.

In cases of Covid-19, this ongoing fatigue is often referred to as Long Covid and can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

What Causes Post-Viral Fatigue?

The exact cause of post-viral fatigue remains uncertain, but it is believed to be linked to the body’s immune response. When fighting off a virus, the immune system produces chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals can contribute to ongoing fatigue and other symptoms long after the virus is cleared from the body.

Common Symptoms of Post-Viral Fatigue

While fatigue is the primary symptom, post-viral fatigue can affect both your body and mind. You may experience:

• Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
• Headaches
• Widespread muscular and joint pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling unwell after physical activity
• Sore throat
• Balance issues

In addition, factors like high stress levels, limited rest, and perfectionist tendencies can make recovery more challenging. It’s also worth noting that post-viral fatigue tends to fluctuate, with some days being better than others. This can be more complex for those who may be neurodivergent or those living with chronic health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, as the post-viral fatigue symptoms may overlap with pre-existing sensory, cognitive, or physical challenges. This can complicate recovery and may require additional support or adaptations tailored to your unique needs.

How our Allied Health Practitioners Can Help

At Move for Better Health, we understand that recovery from post-viral fatigue requires a comprehensive approach. Our team of allied health practitioners, including physiotherapists, psychologists, and exercise physiologists, can work together to guide you through the recovery process and help you regain your health and energy.

1. Physiotherapy to Manage Pain and Improve Function

Post-viral fatigue often brings muscle and joint pain, which can make everyday tasks feel more challenging. Physiotherapists can assist you in managing pain, restoring movement, and improving overall function. Through tailored exercises and manual therapy, physiotherapy helps alleviate discomfort and promotes recovery, allowing you to gradually return to your normal routine.

2. Psychology Support for Mental Health and Stress Management

The symptoms of long COVID can interfere with our ability to attend school or work, interact with friends and family, and participate in sports or other hobbies. The mental toll of dealing with ongoing fatigue can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. It’s also common to feel uncertain about what’s contributing to your fatigue – whether it’s lingering effects of illness, cumulative stress, burnout, or a combination of factors. Our psychologists can help you explore these experiences and develop personalised strategies that meet your needs.

Our psychology services focus on emotional support and helping you manage the mental load of fatigue, stress, and adjustment—whatever the source may be. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are effective in addressing unhelpful thinking patterns, such as perfectionism, which can worsen your symptoms. Less widely known, is that CBT-based approaches can also be helpful for chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and insomnia. Additionally, mindfulness and relaxation strategies are taught to help you manage your energy and emotional well-being.

For more information on how a psychologist may be able to assist with Long Covid symptoms, read more on the NLC Website here. 

3. Exercise Physiology for a Safe and Gradual return to Exercise and Physical Activity 

A key component of recovery is returning to physical activity in a safe and controlled manner. Our exercise physiologists can design a personalised exercise program to help you gradually increase your activity levels, build strength, and improve stamina. The goal is to ensure you can engage in physical activity without overexerting yourself, reducing the risk of relapsing into fatigue.

Key Strategies for Managing Post-Viral Fatigue

How can I manage this day to day?

To support your recovery, consider these strategies:

• Pacing: Finding the right balance between rest and activity is crucial. Gradually increase your activity levels, listening to your body’s signals to avoid overexertion. If you’re unsure how to recognise early signs of fatigue or tend to push through until you crash, structured pacing tools and clinician support can help make this process more sustainable.
• Improving Sleep: Prioritising good sleep hygiene is essential for restoring energy levels. Our team can offer tips and practical strategies to help you improve your sleep patterns. 
• Gradual Return to Exercise: It’s important to reintroduce physical activity slowly. Our team can help guide you through a structured, graduated exercise plan tailored to your current energy levels.
• Psychological Support: Managing perfectionism, stress, burnout, and mental fatigue is an important part of recovery. Our psychologists can help you develop greater self-awareness and supportive strategies to navigate fluctuating energy levels and emotions, while working with – rather than against – your natural rhythms and needs.
• Workplace Adjustments: Reasonable changes to your work or study routine can help protect your energy and avoid setbacks. We can support you in identifying adjustments or advocating for flexibility where needed.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Recovery isn’t linear. Setting gentle, achievable goals for daily activities and routines can help you stay on track without burning out.

Getting the Support You Need

Recovery isn’t linear—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Recovering from post-viral fatigue takes time, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible to regain your health and vitality. At Move for Better Health, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s physiotherapy, psychology, or exercise physiology, we offer tailored, holistic support to help you recover safely and effectively.

If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, get in touch and together, we’ll develop a personalised plan to help you feel your best again!

• Call us: Malvern (08) 8373 5655, Magill (08) 7078 0303 or Glenelg (08) 8295 1294
• Book online via our 24/7 portal here.
• Visit us at any of our locations!