Fatigue is, according to several published reports on COVID-19, the third most common symptom among those infected with the virus. According to a study published by The New England Journal of Medicine , it occurs in 38% of detected cases, after fever (89%) and cough (68%). It is therefore a major concern for many people who feel more tired than usual. However, it does not necessarily have to indicate the presence of the disease in the body. In fact, it is rarely a sign of it, unless it is accompanied by more associated symptoms.
"General fatigue alone is not a cause of coronavirus, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as high fever and cough," explains Dr. Ramón Vila-Rovira, founder of the Vila-Rovira Institute in Madrid, and adds: “We must also take into account our usual state. If we are always very active and we don't get tired at the end of the day or if in the middle of the afternoon we can't take it anymore and we need to rest ”.
On the other hand, there are people who have slowed down a lot since this health crisis began. Moving less than is recommended can also translate into fatigue and different muscle ailments: “Very active people, who normally do not stop during the day, spend a lot of time on their feet or tend to exercise a lot, may suffer muscle aches or fatigue when they slow down . This is due to being without activity for so long ” , he declares.
Fight fatigue with exercise
To combat this feeling of tiredness and apathy, it is advisable to introduce an exercise routine (inside or outside the home) and, if possible, always do it at the same time. In this way our body will get used to generating adrenaline and being always more active. You can find a lot of tutorials, like the ones from Patry Jordán, that will help you to be active and to keep fit and feel much better.
PROTOCOL OF ACTION
Following the action protocols of the Ministry of Health, in the event that you feel fatigued and present any other symptoms, you should isolate yourself and request tests to confirm or rule out the presence of the virus. What should you do? If you have any questions, you have to call the telephone number set up by each Autonomous Community to attend to those affected. If your symptoms are moderate, you will most likely have to stay home and receive professional follow-up by phone. If the symptoms persist or get worse, the experts will assess whether or not you need to be transferred to a hospital.
