Post Viral Syndrome

How do we stay sane after the corona crisis?

We talk about PVS, or Post Viral Syndrome, when a person develops chronic symptoms over time in the period after going through a viral infection. In principle, this symdrome can occur after any viral infection, but it is well known in Pfeiffer or Q fever disease and currently current after going through covid-19. In chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an underlying cause may be PVS. Persistent symptoms can also develop after going through bacterial infections. A well-known one is Lyme disease, which occurs after the bite of an infected tick.

PVS is thus a major contributor to vague symptoms.

Sometimes there are years between going through the infection and the onset of the "vague" symptoms. Post Viral Syndrome is often accompanied by chronic fatigue, inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Regular blood tests often yield no clues (anymore) in PVS. There is no basis for treating the symptoms. This often results in a form of symptom control with the use of pain medication and/or anti-inflammatories. This medication in turn affects the functioning of the immune system, which can lead to a downward spiral.

PVS and Corona

It is known that a small proportion of people who have experienced corona infection recover very slowly. It is expected that recovery can sometimes take up to 1 year or longer. Especially when there is a combination with underlying disease processes. The symptoms sometimes develop over time into a picture known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The impact of taking many medications should also not be underestimated given the age structure of the patients. (Source)

By the way, one does not have to have had a serious infection of a virus to be affected by PVS. It is known that it can develop even after having mild symptoms.