Viral infections are not only a problem in themselves. They can also have late effects that severely impair those affected for weeks and months. Although the patients have got over the actual infection, they continue to suffer from complaints that are in some cases severe. This is then referred to as post-viral syndrome. The syndrome has been known for a long time, including in connection with cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex viruses, enteroviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Since 2020, post-viral syndrome following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen has posed a particular challenge.
Symptoms of post-viral syndrome
The syndrome comprises a whole range of different signs of disease, including both complaints that already occurred during the coronavirus infection and new complaints. Particularly typical are severe exhaustion (post-viral fatigue, e.g. COVID fatigue), problems with concentration and memory, damage to the lungs and other organs, muscle pain, joint pain, and dermatological, neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The long-term consequences of a viral infection can have a lasting impact on everyday life and can even lead to temporary occupational disability.
Possible complaints in detail
- Debilitating exhaustion and tiredness
- Weakness, lack of resilience
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Anosmia (loss of the senses of smell and taste)
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems such as breathlessness, shortness of breath, cough
- Circulatory disorders
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Lymph node pain
- Intermittent fever
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Tinnitus
- Hair loss
- Skin changes such as rashes, swelling, itching
When does post-viral syndrome occur?
Long COVID syndrome apparently affects a large proportion of COVID-19 patients, even if the preceding coronavirus illness was mild or even symptom-free. Exactly how many people develop late effects after an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus cannot yet be precisely quantified. Some studies report up to 70 or 80 per cent of people being affected by Long COVID. The risk of consequential damage appears to be particularly high in the first three months after a coronavirus infection.
What is certain is that long-term damage from coronavirus infections can represent a considerable problem.
How long does post-COVID last?
How long post-viral syndrome after coronavirus illnesses lasts on average has also not yet been sufficiently researched: the period that can be observed for this is simply still too short. By definition, it is only Long COVID syndrome if the complaints persist for more than three months. (Symptoms that drag on for three to twelve weeks, on the other hand, are initially referred to as post-acute COVID complaints.)
According to a British data analysis, 10 per cent of COVID patients still have health problems after four months, and many patients still show symptoms even after a year.
Which groups of people are particularly affected by post-COVID syndrome?
Studies indicate that middle-aged people in work are more severely affected than pensioners, and younger people more than older people. Children also suffer from the long-term consequences of a coronavirus illness. Women appear to develop Long COVID somewhat more often than men.
The likelihood of consequential damage after the viral illness is increased if health problems already existed beforehand. Above all, impaired immunity to infection appears to favour post-viral syndrome. However, late effects also occur in people who were in top shape before the coronavirus illness.
A healthy immune defence and good overall health are likely at least to reduce the risk of developing post-viral syndrome.
What helps with chronic problems after a viral infection?
Of course, it is best to avoid infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus altogether so that late effects do not arise in the first place. An important basis for this, alongside compliance with all hygiene measures, is a functioning immune defence based on healthy intracellular glutathione levels.
If infection and subsequent complaints have nevertheless occurred, the mechanisms of development give an indication of possible treatment options: several causes probably interact in the development of a post-viral syndrome. Science is currently considering
- permanent damage to organs (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis, heart muscle damage, kidney damage),
- to the nervous system (e.g. the olfactory cells, the olfactory bulb in the brain) and
- to the immune system (e.g. autoimmune reactions), as well as
- uncontrolled inflammation throughout the organism,
- metabolic disorders and
- psychological effects.
Post-COVID therapy can also start at these points, through an effective increase in intracellular glutathione levels. This is because the body's own glutathione regulates crucial immune and inflammatory responses and protects the organs from damage caused by oxidative and nitrosative stress. Healthy intracellular glutathione levels are, moreover, absolutely essential for energy production and normal cell metabolism.
SAG according to Dr. med. Gerhard Ohlenschläger® (Eumetabol®) effectively and sustainably increases the glutathione level within the cells. In this way, it offers several ideal starting points for the prevention and treatment of late effects after viral infections.
What else can be done about viral long-term consequences?
If, after recovering from an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, you notice one or more of the symptoms described above and the problems do not subside within a short time, you should seek medical help. There are now post-COVID consultation services (so-called post-COVID-19 outpatient clinics) where specialists can classify the individual complaints and open up treatment options. A symptom diary, for example, is useful for this, as it can help to objectify complaints that sometimes fluctuate considerably. Post-COVID self-help groups are also available in many places.
Do not hesitate to seek medical help if problems persist for a longer period after a coronavirus illness or another viral illness!