When to worry about fatigue with COVID-19

COVID-19 can make the body use more energy while the immune system responds, so tiredness may accompany fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or body aches. Recovery is not identical for everyone. Fatigue that is slowly easing differs from exhaustion that is worsening or prevents eating, drinking, washing, or moving safely. Read more about COVID-19 and Fatigue.

Mention new dizziness, palpitations, persistent fever, worsening cough, or an inability to concentrate. These symptoms can signal that you need assessment, and fatigue may also have another cause such as poor sleep, dehydration, or a medicine effect.

Rest, drink fluids as tolerated, and return to activity gradually rather than pushing through marked exhaustion. Follow local advice about staying away from others while unwell. Monitor whether breathing, alertness, drinking, and urination are changing. Ask a clinician for advice if fatigue is not improving, returns after activity, or interferes with basic care. Do not change prescribed treatment without guidance.

Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake, or fainting. Seek prompt clinical advice for worsening breathlessness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, persistent high fever, or a sudden deterioration after initial improvement. People who are pregnant, older, or living with significant medical conditions should seek advice early when symptoms worsen.

Ask how to monitor breathing and hydration, when to return to activity, whether your medicines need review, and which symptoms require emergency help.