What should you know about pandemic fatigue?

Long periods of stress, reduced activity, poor sleep, isolation, grief, and constant changes in routine can leave a person drained. Pandemic fatigue can also occur during or after COVID-19, while dehydration may reduce energy and alertness.

Fatigue is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Anaemia, coeliac disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, alcohol use disorder, and other conditions can present with tiredness. A clinician may ask about sleep, mood, diet, bleeding, infection symptoms, medicines, and daily function.

Keep wake and sleep times steady, drink regularly, eat balanced meals, and add gentle activity in manageable amounts. Break tasks into smaller periods and schedule recovery time. Avoid using alcohol as a way to manage exhaustion or sleep.

Arrange a clinical review when fatigue is persistent, worsening, or affecting work, driving, self-care, or relationships. Record when it started, what makes it better or worse, and any associated symptoms.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed when fatigue follows a significant infection, comes with unexplained weight change or bleeding, or prevents safe daily activities.

Ask which causes should be checked, whether sleep or mood is contributing, and whether blood or other tests are appropriate. Share recent infections, diet changes, periods of heavy bleeding, snoring, medicines, alcohol use, and changes in exercise.