Authors
Dr Benny PV, Chief Editor, IMA Kerala Medical Journal; Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Gokulam Medical College, Kerala, India.
Abstract
Introduction: Post-COVID fatigue and anhedonia are prevalent and debilitating after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting various aspects of patients’ lives. Fatigue is defined as a decrease in physical and/or mental performance stemming from central, psychological, or peripheral factors related to COVID-19. A significant proportion of “Long Covid” patients experience extreme, prolonged fatigue, with 58% reporting it 12 months post-infection.
Key Findings: Over half of individuals recovering from COVID-19 will experience fatigue, often persisting even in non-hospitalized young adults. Fatigue is the most common continuous symptom of Long-Covid, alongside intermittent symptoms like muscle pain, dyspnea, cognitive blunting, and mental health issues. Neurophysiological studies suggest that COVID-19-related inflammation may cause GABAergic dysfunction, contributing to fatigue, apathy, and performance deficits.
Management Strategies: Developing evidence-based management is challenging due to limited randomized controlled trials. Multidisciplinary care, including long-term symptom monitoring, physical rehabilitation, and mental health support, is crucial. Strategies for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be applied, focusing on personalized treatment plans and careful screening for post-exertion discomfort. Comprehensive management of comorbidities and utilization of patient-reported outcomes for long-term follow-up are also emphasized.
Conclusion: Post-COVID fatigue presents a complex clinical picture. Further research is needed on the role of antiviral treatments and vaccination in preventing and managing Long-Covid. Global control of infection rates is essential to mitigate the long-term burden of post-COVID conditions.