Does COVID Make You Tired? What To Know About COVID Fatigue

Fatigue is an overall feeling of tiredness, weariness, or a lack of energy. It interferes with daily life and typically occurs due to physical activities, emotional stress, or poor sleep.

Fatigue is a symptom of COVID-19, especially long COVID. Getting a good night’s rest, eating nutrient-dense foods, and engaging in activities that boost energy levels can help manage chronic fatigue.

COVID-related fatigue can vary in impact and severity, but it typically causes people to feel exhausted after doing things they previously did with energy and motivation. 

You may have fatigue from COVID if you:

• Feel tired
• Have low energy
• Feel burned out
• Feel sleepy
• Feel out of breath after finishing a task, including simple ones
• Have muscle weakness
• Feel physically impaired

COVID fatigue can also impact your mental state, causing you to:

• Feel fuzzy or sluggish
• Have brain fog or trouble concentrating
• Think slower
• Feel a lack of motivation
• Have trouble remembering what you are doing
• Feel a lack of pleasure or interest in things you used to love doing

Long COVID refers to the chronic (long-term) health effects or symptoms that can occur after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, which sometimes persist for longer. About 10-20% of people who have SARS-CoV-2 may develop long COVID symptoms. 

Common symptoms associated with long COVID include:

• Challenges with cognition (thinking, learning, and remembering things)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

These symptoms can start months after the initial infection and last at least three months or longer. Fatigue, in particular, can last several months or years after having COVID. 

Possible Causes

It’s not very clear why some people experience intense or persistent fatigue long after SARS-CoV-2 infection and even after testing negative for COVID.

Possible causes may include:

• Sleep disturbances or lack of adequate sleep
• Poor nutrition
• Inflammation
• Damage to mitochondria, the structures within cells that give the body energy
• Lowered levels of cortisol, a hormone that balances metabolism and stress responses

There are many different causes for fatigue, and long COVID symptoms can develop some time after your initial infection, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause.

Other Related Symptoms

There is a higher chance fatigue is related to long COVID if you experience other symptoms, like:

• Chest pain
• Muscle aches
• Heart pounding
• Coughing
• Headache
• Depression or anxiety
• Digestive issues like stomach pain and constipation
• Symptoms that are hard to explain or manage

If you experience fatigue that doesn’t go away and suspect it may be due to COVID, consider speaking with a healthcare provider. There is no standard test for diagnosing long COVID, but your provider can recommend tests to rule out other conditions or help understand your symptoms.

Risk Factors for Long COVID

Anyone who’s had the SARS-CoV-2 virus can develop long COVID, but some people are at a higher risk, including individuals:

• Who experienced severe COVID-19 symptoms
• Who didn’t receive the COVID-19 vaccine
• Assigned female at birth
• Who are 65 or older
• Who are Latino or Hispanic
• With other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes

If you experience chronic fatigue after COVID, consider seeing a healthcare provider for treatment. There are also steps you can take to help manage this symptom on your own:

• Make sure you get enough sleep; sleeping more at night may help lower mental and physical fatigue the following day. 
• Listen to your body and rest when needed.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
• Avoid substance use.
• Limit caffeine intake, especially in the evening, which can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Stay physically active, but avoid excessive amounts of exercise.
• Eat well-balanced, nutrient-dense meals; work with a registered dietitian to create an energy-boosting meal plan that includes whole-grain and high-fiber foods.

Energy Conservation

Saving your energy is important for managing chronic fatigue. Managing your energy levels can help you do the most meaningful things to you without feeling drained. 

After pacing yourself, consider these steps:

• Prioritize tasks: Sort your tasks from things you need to do to things you want to do, starting with the most important ones.
• Plan your days: A diary or planner can help you plan activities. Break up large tasks into smaller units. Spread tasks that drain your energy throughout the week, and schedule breaks.
• Work efficiently: Keep your work environment well-organized, use the right tools to complete your tasks, maintain good posture, and consider sitting down while working to conserve energy.

It’s normal to feel tired occasionally, as some daily tasks and lifestyle factors can reduce energy levels. If this feeling doesn’t go away and you often feel tired, you should seek medical care. 

Whether you have COVID or not, consider seeking medical care for your fatigue if it:

• Disrupts your daily activities
• Interferes with your ability to function normally, both physically and mentally
• Gets worse
• Lasts for longer than a few days
• Happens alongside other symptoms

Fatigue from COVID can last at least three months or longer, causing low energy, muscle weakness, and brain fog. Getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, and planning tasks may help you manage your fatigue. 

If you have COVID-related fatigue, a healthcare provider can suggest medications and management strategies to help you feel better.