Fatigue is considered one of the most common symptoms of long COVID. The severity varies from person to person, and it is not unusual for symptoms to change from day to day.
First, let’s look at the symptoms that may occur with fatigue, as well as other symptoms that can occur alongside it.
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Can Fatigue Caused by Long COVID Be Cured? Symptoms and Treatments
Many people struggle with fatigue and other lingering symptoms after COVID-19 that interfere with their daily lives.
We also often hear people say they want to know what they can do to prevent fatigue and learn about available treatments. In this article, we explain the characteristics of long COVID and whether it can be cured from a clinic’s perspective.
Contents
- 1.Characteristics of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
- 1-1.Symptoms of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
- 1-2.Causes of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
- 1-3.Main Symptoms of Long COVID Other Than Fatigue
- 2.How Long Does Fatigue Caused by Long COVID Last? How Long Until It Resolves?
- 3.Is There a Way to Prevent Fatigue Caused by Long COVID?
- 4.When to Seek Medical Care and Treatments for Suspected Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
- 4-1.When Should You Seek Medical Care?
- 4-2.Treatments for Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
- 5.Summary: Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
Characteristics of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
Symptoms of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
Fatigue, one of the symptoms of long COVID, commonly presents in the following ways.
- Feeling sluggish or heavy
- Shortness of breath after light exercise or traveling a short distance
- Feeling tired even while remaining still
- Feeling so exhausted that even getting up is difficult
Even when the symptom is described as the same fatigue, its severity differs from person to person.
The severity can also change suddenly depending on the circumstances or activities of the day, and the same symptoms do not necessarily continue.
Some people who had no symptoms during the infection may only recognize that they have symptoms when the fatigue persists.
In addition, as fatigue worsens, it can cause psychological stress, potentially leading to mental symptoms such as feeling depressed or being unable to concentrate on anything else.
Causes of Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
The cause of fatigue is not clearly understood.
Because the symptoms and the way fatigue is experienced differ from person to person, and because it is often impossible to definitively determine that COVID-19 is the cause, identifying the cause can be difficult.
For example, it is possible that many factors, such as an individual’s predisposition and the weather, may be combined.
Examples of Factors That Can Cause Fatigue Other Than COVID-19
- Anemia related to individual constitution or menstruation
- Stress
- Sudden changes in the weather
- Changes in hormone balance
- Pre-existing chronic conditions
Even so, recent studies have found that fatigue is more common among people infected with the Omicron variant than among those infected with the Delta variant.
Research data has also reported that long COVID is more common in people aged 40 and over, and that its duration tends to be longer with increasing age.
Main Symptoms of Long COVID Other Than Fatigue
What symptoms other than fatigue can occur as part of long COVID? Here are some representative examples of lingering symptoms after COVID-19.
- Headache or nausea
- Fever
- Cough or phlegm
- Palpitations or difficulty breathing
- Olfactory or taste disturbances, such as being unable to smell or taste, or experiencing smells or tastes differently than usual
- Joint or muscle pain or swelling
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Reduced concentration or memory
- Sleep disturbances
All of these symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience only one type of symptom, while others develop several symptoms at the same time.
Symptoms may also recur after you think you have recovered, or change into symptoms different from those experienced previously.
How Long Does Fatigue Caused by Long COVID Last? How Long Until It Resolves?
The duration of fatigue caused by long COVID varies from person to person.
In the past, cases have been reported in which symptoms lasted 1–3 months for people who recovered quickly, and approximately 1–2 years for those who recovered more slowly.
The onset of long COVID also varies. Some people develop symptoms within one month after infection, while others do not notice symptoms until more than a year later, so there is no clear standard for when symptoms will begin.
However, in reported cases to date, the most common pattern is fatigue that cannot be explained by another illness, becomes noticeable within 1–3 months after infection, and continues for approximately 3–6 months.
It has also been found that even people with severe fatigue generally show some improvement after receiving treatment at a medical institution for approximately three months, and more people are able to return to their usual lives.
Is There a Way to Prevent Fatigue Caused by Long COVID?
At present, there is no way to prevent the fatigue associated with long COVID.
However, research papers have previously been published suggesting that vaccination to prevent infection and severe illness may alleviate the symptoms of long COVID.
Nevertheless, many aspects of long COVID remain unclear, and preventive measures still require further research.
Even so, you can review your daily lifestyle habits to help avoid COVID-19 infection and make prevention a personal priority.
- Washing your hands and gargling
- Wearing a mask
- Practicing cough etiquette
- Getting sufficient sleep and rest
- Eating a healthy diet with three meals a day
- Moderate exercise
- Avoiding the buildup of stress, and other measures
Paying attention to your health and continuing to follow the infection-control measures recommended by the government may be considered the most effective preventive approach currently available.
When to Seek Medical Care and Treatments for Suspected Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
Finally, we explain when to seek medical care and the treatments available if you develop fatigue as a lingering symptom after COVID-19. If you are experiencing fatigue, do not push yourself to endure it—seek help from a medical institution or people around you.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
If you are experiencing fatigue and your symptoms do not improve, we recommend visiting a medical institution without overexerting yourself.
As a general guideline, seek care if four weeks or more have passed since the symptoms began. However, if you are so unwell that you cannot get up and this continues for several days, seek medical care promptly without forcing yourself.
If you are hesitant to visit a medical institution, another option is to contact your local government consultation service for advice in advance.
Treatment for fatigue and other lingering symptoms is often available from your primary care physician or a medical institution in your area, and your local government may also be able to provide a referral.
The period during which you may infect other people with COVID-19 is approximately 7–10 days after symptom onset.
If lingering symptoms appear after this period has passed, the likelihood of spreading a new infection is low, so it is acceptable to visit a medical institution.
Treatments for Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
Symptomatic treatment is commonly used for fatigue.
Symptomatic treatment refers to treatment intended to relieve symptoms that have already appeared. Medication may be prescribed or an intravenous infusion may be administered, while in some cases the patient is instructed to rest and monitored over time.
Fatigue is generally considered to ease over time, so first consult your attending physician.
If fatigue makes it difficult to participate in social life, you may also be eligible to use support systems provided by the government, local authorities, or your workplace.
For now, focus on getting sufficient rest and recovering.
Summary: Fatigue Caused by Long COVID
We have explained that fatigue is a representative symptom of long COVID.
Fatigue often resolves naturally, but some people experience symptoms that do not improve easily.
If severe symptoms continue to the point that they interfere with your daily life, seek medical care promptly.
It may also be helpful to review your habits to support recovery, such as taking frequent breaks and improving your eating habits.
