Is Fatigue a Sign of COVID-19? What You Need to Know, According to Experts
It's actually a pretty common symptom of any viral infection.
Feeling rundown here and there is a part of life. But, when you feel tired in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, it's only natural to wonder if your fatigue could be caused by COVID-19.
Here's the deal: While theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) lists fatigue as an official symptom of COVID-19, having fatigue doesn'tautomaticallymean that you have the virus, Amesh Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tellsHealth."It's kind of a nondescript symptom," he points out.
How can you tell if your tiredness is due to COVID-19 or something else entirely? Doctors weigh in.
First, how common is fatigue with COVID-19?
It's pretty common, Dr. Adalja says—but feeling wiped out is common with most viral illnesses.
"It has to do with substances called cytokines that the immune system produces when under attack," Richard Watkins, MD, aninfectious diseasephysician in Akron, Ohio, and a professor of medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tellsHealth. Thosecytokinessignal to your body that it's time to go to work and fight off an infection, but the aftermath can make you feel tired. After all, your body is focusing its energy on fighting off an invader, even if you can't see it.
Regarding fatigue due to COVID-19 specifically, a February report published by theWorld Health Organizationanalyzing 55,924 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China, found that fatigue was the third most common symptom of COVID-19 with 38.1% of people reporting the symptom. The only two more common symptoms, according to that report, were fever (87.9%) anddry cough(67.7%).
How can you know if your fatigue is a symptom of COVID-19?
This can be a little tricky. In general, Dr. Adalja says that you should have other symptoms as well. "Usually you'll have some symptoms, like muscle aches, pains, or asore throat, even if it's minor," he says. "It's usually not just fatigue in and of itself."
That doesn't mean you can't have COVID-19 and only experience fatigue as a symptom—it's just not common.
To try to figure out what's going on, Dr. Adalja recommends looking at your fatigue as part of the bigger picture. "You have to think about why you're fatigued," he says. "Is it because you ran a marathon or were up late, studying for a test? Try to see if you have an easy explanation. I've been fatigued since January, but there's an explanation for that."
And, of course, calling your doctor is always an option. They may want to test you for COVID-19 or do a physical exam, given that a wide range of health issues and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue.
How do you treat fatigue from COVID-19?
There's only so much you can do since this is part of having the virus—or any virus. In fact, Dr. Watkins says, you really just have to wait this one out.
Still, you can do yourself a solid and take it easy during this time, he says. So, take a pass on exercising heavily and pushing yourself too much—your body is clearly signaling to you that you need to rest.
Unfortunately, the fatigue from COVID-19 can linger: Results of apre-print studyreleased in September found that 52% of 128 COVID-positive patients had "persistent fatigue" weeks after they were diagnosed. That was true whether they had a minor or more severe case of the virus.
Overall, if you're struggling with fatigue that won't quit, talk to your doctor. They should be able to help guide you on next steps.
The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using theCDC,WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
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You might have wild dreams when you're ill—fever can do that. But bizarre or emotionally intense fever dreams are not recognized as a symptom of COVID-19.
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "Wear a mask", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 7492, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Wash your hands", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 42400, "lastModified": "2021-11-09T21:29:44.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Maintain social distance from others", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 6596, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T09:41:26.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Wipe down groceries packaged in cardboard or plastic wrap with bleach", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 65001, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:15:07.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "To slow the spread of COVID-19, don't do this:", "question_id": "Q3", "answer_description": "CDC specifically warns against using disinfecting products on food or food packaging. You don't want to accidentally taint your food. Plus, the risk of COVID-19 from handling or consuming food is thought to be low. Use disinfectants like bleach to wipe down tables, countertops, and faucets
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "A multi-layer medical procedure mask (aka a surgical mask or disposable face mask)", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 9834, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T10:06:46.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "A mask with a vent or valve", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 85858, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:12:35.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "A cloth mask made of two or more breathable, washable layers", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 19645, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "A cloth mask over a surgical mask", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 6151, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T04:00:08.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "Which masking option is least effective for stopping the spread of COVID-19?", "question_id": "Q4", "answer_description": "If your mask has a vent or valve, respiratory particles may escape and reach other people. Opt instead for a well-fitting mask with multiple layers, or wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask to secure the underlying mask to your face.
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" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "2 to 12 hours", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 5670, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "3 days", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 27275, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T02:20:57.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "14 days", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 87680, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:12:35.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "30 days", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 863, "lastModified": "2021-11-08T18:40:22.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "How long is the incubation period—the amount time from when you are infected with the novel coronavirus to when you exhibit symptoms?", "question_id": "Q6", "answer_description": "The incubation is thought to be 14 days, with a median of 4 to 5 days. (But keep in mind that some people never develop symptoms).
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "A variant", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 82792, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "A high viral load", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 9561, "lastModified": "2021-11-09T03:59:48.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "A vaccine", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 11464, "lastModified": "2021-11-05T06:20:44.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Another virus, like influenza", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 17672, "lastModified": "2021-11-08T17:08:24.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "A mutated version of the virus that causes COVID-19 is called:", "question_id": "Q7", "answer_description": "Variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been identified in the US and around the world. Scientists are studying these variants to learn how they spread and whether current vaccines will protect against them.
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "Researchers have coined the term \"coronaphobia\" to describe the fear of contracting COVID-19", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 10341, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T04:00:08.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "The virus that causes COVID-19 can sometimes spread through tiny airborne particles", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 14888, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "The term \"long-haulers\" refers to people who experience long-term coronavirus symptoms", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 6476, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T10:50:58.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "COVID-19 is just like having the seasonal flu", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 89785, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:15:07.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "Which of the following statements is false?", "question_id": "Q8", "answer_description": "Early on, some people speculated that the novel coronavirus would behave like the seasonal flu. Now we know COVID-19 is much more contagious and spreads more rapidly than influenza.
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "Women who want to become pregnant some day", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 11329, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T10:29:39.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine ingredient", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 67735, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "People who have recovered from COVID-19", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 10098, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T10:06:46.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "People with underlying medical conditions", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 32327, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:15:07.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "Who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine?", "question_id": "Q9", "answer_description": "CDC does not recommend COVID vaccination if you've had a severe allergic reaction to any COVID vaccine ingredient. Contact your doctor if you have questions about whether it's safe for you to be vaccinated.
" }, { "answer_choices": [ { "answer_title": "You can't get COVID-19 from a COVID-19 shot", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A1", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 19951, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T10:50:58.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "Side effects are generally mild and short-lived", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A2", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 7974, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:12:35.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "It can take a few weeks after getting vaccinated for your body to build immunity to the virus", "correct_answer": false, "answer_id": "A3", "answer_value": 0, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 4699, "lastModified": "2021-11-09T19:47:26.000Z" } }, { "answer_title": "None of the above", "correct_answer": true, "answer_id": "A4", "answer_value": 1, "$vf_selected_count": { "value": 88865, "lastModified": "2021-11-10T11:49:36.000Z" } } ], "answer_type": "text", "question_title": "Which of the following statements about COVID-19 are false?", "question_id": "Q10", "answer_description": "Vaccination is safe, effective, and an important tool for beating the pandemic.
" } ], "description": "News about the novel coronavirus is breaking nearly 24-7, which makes it challenging at best to keep up with the latest scientific evidence, especially when you're bombarded by false or misleading claims on social media. So how much do you really know about COVID-19? Take our quiz to gauge how knowledgeable you are.
", "gate": "none", "intro_page": true, "uuid": "c5d20a0c-6b54-4691-ac5b-7362b5c9e58c", "brand": "health", "headline": "Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Coronavirus?", "results": [ { "result_starting_range": 0, "button": { "_type": "button", "title": "Start Learning More", "src": "https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=201®source=20571" }, "result_ending_range": 3, "result_description": "Time to bone up on the basic facts about COVID-19. Check out our COVID-19 condition center and subscribe to our daily Healthy Living newsletter and never miss an update.
\nMore on COVID-19:
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\nWhile Health is trying to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
", "result_title": "Not Much." }, { "result_starting_range": 4, "button": { "_type": "button", "title": "Learn Some More", "src": "https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=201®source=20571" }, "result_ending_range": 6, "result_description": "Not bad, but there’s much more to know about this illness. Subscribe to our daily Healthy Living newsletter and never miss an update.
\nMore on COVID-19:
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\nWhile Health is trying to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
", "result_title": "You Know Some Things About Some Things." }, { "result_starting_range": 7, "button": { "_type": "button", "title": "Stay Updated with Newsletters", "src": "https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=201®source=20571" }, "result_ending_range": 8, "result_description": "Terrific. Keep reading about COIVD-19 on Health.com and stay safe!
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\nWhile Health is trying to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
", "result_title": "You Are Certified to Debate on Social Media." }, { "result_starting_range": 9, "button": { "_type": "button", "title": "Sign Up for Newsletters", "src": "https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=201®source=20571" }, "result_ending_range": 10, "result_description": "You are definitely in the know! Keep coming back to Health.com for the latest information.
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\nLiving Through a Pandemic: A Guide to Surviving the New Normal
\nCoronavirus 101: Symptoms, Transmission, Severity and More
\nWhile Health is trying to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
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