Fatigue
Fatigue for patients means persistent and overwhelming tiredness, exhaustion and weakness that severely impairs their physical, cognitive and emotional functioning and reduces their quality of life.
Fatigue refers to a persistent and overwhelming tiredness that is not relieved by rest or sleep. It is a common symptom in Long Covid and can significantly affect quality of life. Fatigue in Long Covid has some specific features:
Unlike normal fatigue, which subsides after sufficient rest, fatigue in Long Covid can last for weeks or even months. Affected people can feel exhausted even after a small amount of exertion.
Fatigue in Long Covid often occurs for no apparent reason or is disproportionate to the activity being performed. Even simple tasks such as shopping or showering can lead to overwhelming fatigue.
The severity of fatigue can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild fatigue, while others struggle with severe fatigue that can tie them to a wheelchair.
Fatigue in Long Covid can cause not only physical impairment, but also cognitive impairment. Sufferers may have difficulty concentrating, processing information or remembering. This is often referred to as "brain fog" or "cognition fog".
Fatigue can affect the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as work, household chores or social activities. Affected people may feel isolated and have difficulty maintaining their previous lifestyle.
The exact causes of fatigue in Long Covid are not yet fully understood. It is thought that a combination of inflammation, immune responses, energy metabolism disorders and psychological factors may play a role. Treatment of fatigue in Long Covid often involves a combination of rest, sparing, energy management, physical activity therapy and cognitive strategies to manage symptoms. Individualised care and support from professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists and psychologists is important in managing fatigue in Long Covid.
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ME/CFS
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex and chronic disease characterized by persistent tiredness and fatigue. The exact cause of ME/CFS is not yet fully understood, but a combination of factors, including genetic, immunological and environmental factors, are thought to play a role.
Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, but the most common are extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep, muscle pain and weakness, problems with concentration and memory, difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness, and a general deterioration in health after physical or mental exertion.
ME/CFS can significantly impact daily life and lead to significant limitations. There is currently no specific cure for ME/CFS, and treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include a combination of medication, therapy, rest, and lifestyle adjustments.
It is important to note that ME/CFS is a real and serious condition that is often misunderstood or not taken seriously by society. Those affected may face prejudice and stigmatization, further increasing the burden of the disease. Appropriate support and education are therefore crucial to improve the understanding and care of people with ME/CFS.
Pacing and crash
Pacing and crash are terms used in the context of Covid-19 fatigue. Pacing refers to the strategy of carefully planning and controlling activities and energy levels to avoid overexertion. It's about recognizing your own limitations and adapting accordingly to prevent symptoms from worsening.
The crash, on the other hand, describes the sudden drop in energy and well-being after a phase of increased activity or exertion. This can cause Covid-19 symptoms to worsen and the person to feel extremely fatigued. The crash often occurs several hours or days after excessive stress and can leave the person bedridden for an extended period of time with difficulty recovering.
Pacing and crash are important concepts for dealing with Covid-19 fatigue and controlling symptoms. Consciously planning activities and avoiding overexertion can reduce fatigue and support recovery.
