Intro
Post-viral syndromes occur when symptoms persist after an infection has cleared.
They are increasingly recognised across multiple conditions, including:
- Lyme disease
- COVID-19
- Epstein-Barr virus
Key Points
- Symptoms persist after infection resolves
- Not due to active infection in most cases
- Mechanism is complex and not fully understood
- Overlaps with chronic fatigue syndromes
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Pain
- Sleep disturbance
Possible Mechanisms
- Immune dysregulation
- Nervous system changes
- Persistent inflammation
Management
- Symptom-based care
- Gradual activity pacing
- Supportive treatment
Prognosis
- Variable recovery
- Some improve slowly over time
FAQ
Q: Are post-viral syndromes psychological?
A: No — symptoms are real and have biological mechanisms, though not fully understood.