How long do you feel tired after COVID?

Post-viral fatigue may make ordinary tasks feel unusually demanding. You may have reduced stamina, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, joint pain or low mood alongside fatigue. Symptoms can vary from one day to the next. Ongoing symptoms after the initial infection may fit with Long COVID, but other causes such as anaemia, thyroid problems, medication effects or disrupted sleep can also contribute.

Keep a simple record of activity, sleep and symptoms. Break tasks into smaller parts, pause before exhaustion, and increase activity in small steps only when your body tolerates it. Maintain regular meals, fluids and a consistent sleep routine. Avoid pushing through a crash, because a delayed worsening after activity can be useful information for a clinician. Read about Fatigue and other symptoms such as Difficulty Concentrating.

Arrange an appointment if fatigue is worsening, limits work or self-care, lasts beyond the expected recovery period, or comes with breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting, fever, unexplained weight change or marked weakness. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, new confusion, blue or grey lips, or pressure-like chest pain.

Ask whether your pattern could represent Long COVID, whether blood tests or a medication review are appropriate, and how to plan activity without triggering a symptom flare.