Fear about post viral fatigue/long covid

[Cloud911]

Every time I get a cold / virus, I feel terrified that the post viral fatigue won’t end. Currently exhausted after a cold last week. Sat in tears and so scared about not regaining health. Anyone else? Is this health anxiety?

I'm the same - every time I get anything it lasts for ages - I've been worse since my last bout of covid . Can you see your GP and have some bloods done ? It might reassure you . You probably are feeling health anxiety but I'm not surprised if you feel rubbish . I've got a couple of friends who make big judgments about me feeling anxious about my health but they are both really fit and well and feel ok !

As you are recovering , try and note some positive changes every day , maybe you went for a walk or you sleep better - that can make a bit of a difference.

Totally the same with me, my DH and adult DS all seem to get colds/viruses, but get over them quickly whereas I still struggle with various symptoms for weeks after. I am better since having the flu vaccine, taking various vitamins and trying to eat healthier. Plus we have a dog, so whatever the weather, we go on 2 long walks each day, which I think does help.

Thanks all for your replies. Bloods for reassurance is a great idea. I’ll try and look for day to day improvements too.

I am 15months postpartum and have had a few signs today that my period might be returning so wonder if that’s effecting my energy levels too.

Oh for sure! Are you taking iron etc?

I take a multivitamin . I was had my iron tested at the start of this year and my ferritin was 80 something (highest ever) so feel I am probably ok on that front. Might start taking a separate dose though if my period is returning, good shout thank you ☺️

as your hormones change just before a period you can get flu like symptoms. You could do some tracking and see how you feel before and after your periods.

Top top as someone with fatigue, if you're feeling wrecked after an illness or feel unreasonably tired, REST. The biggest way to make it stay with you forever is to ignore it and try to "push through it". Don't exercise, just conserve energy till you feel better.

And try not to stress, I get a wall of fatigue entirely unconnected to how I normally feel when I get my periods too.

Ps, modern lurgies really do seen to linger don't they?

B12 but don’t take tablet beforehand as they can skewer results

Thank you. I’m resting as much as possible with a toddler. I actually have this next week off work, had lots of diy planned but maybe it’ll end up being a rest week.

i have been reading about health anxiety and one suggestion is to allow yourself a single reassurance from say your partner then no more. So trying this

This fear is going to be more crippling/ disabling than any actual virus.
There is a strong correlation between these "conditions" and psychiatric issues.
Live your life, OP. Bad stuff happens to all of us eventually but we can't let ourselves hide away because of a "what if".