Why do infections make you tired

Chronic fatigue syndrome has eight official signs and symptoms, plus the central symptom that gives the condition its name:. It appears that part of the answer lies in the genetic polymorphisms or variances in our bodies response to infection and inflammation.

Why does this happen? Activation of the TLRs causes a massive cytokine surge that becomes like a domino-effect and keeps on going unrelenting in susceptible individuals, contributing to the inflammation, depression and fatigue. This vicious cycle of pro-inflammatory cytokines that continue to trigger more inflammation and amplify the cycle, leading to more damage and inflammation. The initial infection followed by chronic inflammation of the immune system could explain the cause of fatigue in these genetically susceptible individuals.

Some patients also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, or brain fog as well. Chronic fatigue syndrome is just a label. It's useful to identify a group of symptoms that causes significant fatigue and may affect one's life dramatically causing inability to function or hold a job. It does not represent one clincial entity but the cause may be multi-factorial and different in each individual. It may share a final common pathway of dysfunctional immune activation and inflammation that keeps on going in a self perpetuating manner like the Energizer Bunny gone bad!

From a functional medicine perspective it's important to get to the root cause of the chronic fatigue symptoms and cognitive impairment. Most of these infections, including the inflammatory response CIRS to mold and mycotoxins can be measured by ordering conventional lab testing through a knowledgeable practitioner. Ask your doctor to see if he can help you determine the root cause of your fatigue.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Do Antibiotics Make You Tired? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Which antibiotics? Antibiotics that may have a side effect of tiredness. What to do if antibiotics make you tired. Other side effects of antibiotics. Potential interactions with antibiotics. Other medications that can cause fatigue. Read this next. How Do Antibiotics Work? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. But recent studies suggest that in some cases, levels of cytokines fail to return to normal, causing ongoing symptoms.

Most of us know the feeling. It's the middle of winter, it's very cold outside, the mornings are So what should you do if you're suffering from post-viral fatigue? Jarvis says that while there are no precise treatments, there are many things you can do to ease your symptoms and aid your recovery. By managing pain, you may also be able to improve the quantity and quality of your sleep at night, thereby reducing fatigue throughout the day," she says.

She warns that, while resting throughout the day is important, too much rest can actually cause sufferers to feel more fatigued. It's sensible to take small, frequent naps during the day, if you feel exhausted, rather than sleeping for several hours at a time. For many conditions, including depression and cancer-related tiredness, exercise can actually improve tiredness.

However, if you have post-viral fatigue it is important to take things very gently - as we've heard, in some people even minor physical exertion can cause rebound worsening of fatigue.

Recovery from post-viral fatigue can vary a lot from one person to the next. Some people are back to normal within a month or two, while others experience lingering symptoms for years. However, there is some evidence to suggest that getting an early diagnosis may improve recovery. They can investigate further and, if necessary, refer you to specialist services. The NHS has recently set up the Your COVID Recovery programme, but while there is extensive advice on their website, there are as yet few clinics where tailored treatment can be offered.

In addition, some patient groups have criticised the site for setting unrealistic targets for exercise and activity. However, the number of NHS clinics is gradually increasing and they may be able to provide a more tailored approach to recovery than the more general advice on the Your Covid Recovery website.