Post Viral Syndrome

An Overview of Post Viral Syndrome

Today, many people struggle with illnesses that cause overwhelming fatigue such as Post Viral Syndrome.  However, while some of the other illnesses are well known, people seem to know very little about it, which is why we wanted to provide some information.  With this particular disorder, the most challenging factor is that in addition to the extreme level of fatigue, it typically lasts for several months, if not years.

For starters, Post Viral Syndrome is actually a subcategory associated with a primary category of illnesses associated with grain disorders.  Although in medical terms this illness is considered a benign myalgic encephalomyelitis, it shares many components with a better known illness called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  The fatigue is bad enough on its own but people with this viral syndrome must also face neurocognitive challenges, mood disturbances, and musculoskeletal pain.

Some of the other symptoms that go hand-in-hand with this illness include appetite loss, nausea, dizziness, and in some cases, sleep without feeling refreshed.  When talking to people who live with this illness they would all say that some days are good, days when they feel and function normal but then they have bad days when symptoms are at their worst and very difficult to control.  Unfortunately, after waking in the morning these people never know the type of day they will have until they get up and start moving around.

Many illnesses such as Post Viral Syndrome are difficult to diagnose but for a firm confirmation, the patient would need to meet specific criteria.  For instance, symptoms would have been present for a minimum of six months or longer.  In addition, the doctor would draw blood, not to rule the illness in but to rule other illnesses with similar symptoms out.  Once the syndrome is suspected, additional tests would be performed so an accurate diagnose could be made.

Unfortunately, currently no cure exists for Post Viral Syndrome but with certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, symptoms can be reduced, and in some instances, prevented and even alleviated.  Most commonly, analgesic medication is used to help keep pain under control.  Then, depression with illnesses that cause extreme fatigue and pain is common so the doctor may also prescribe some type of antidepressant.  Along with medication, it is highly recommended that the patient learn to pay attention to symptoms and rest when needed.

True, Post Viral Syndrome is debilitating and for the person experiencing the symptoms of this illness, a sense of hopelessness is expected.  However, people need to remember that over time, the symptoms do improve.  For instance, some people will have symptoms for two to three months while others may have them for years but by resting and following the doctor’s orders, the symptoms will calm down making it possible to live a relatively normal existence.

Finally, Post Viral Syndrome is not a terminal illness but some risk factors still exist.  In-depth studies have been conducted over the past several years that lead experts to believe that developing this illness has a strong connection of the level of severity for an infection and not microbiological, demographic, or psychological factors as once believed.  Therefore, it is imperative that people recognize and get proper treatment of infections, reducing risk of developing this particular health concern.