Post Viral Fatique

I have felt like this since taking chemo and even six months after finishing I was still totally exhausted. The young Dr I saw suspected vitamin D deficiency and did tests and now I am on a course of treatment.
It is important not to self medicate on vitamins as they can accumulate in the body and can cause problems.

I had flu over Christmas and it was six weeks before I had the energy to even walk around a supermarket - it was only holding onto the trolley that kept me upright!

Oh yes, post viral is awful. I have had it for ages, wake up feeling dead every morning! don't fight it, rest when you can. Some good advice in these replies, I am taking VitD, and C, and hope soon for real warm sunshine.

when everything aches Falcon, take a break, and remember you are not alone in this.

I had PVF following meningitis and it was nothing like the tiredness I had after flu recently. The PVF completely floored me and I was incapable of being independent for many weeks. I had to really pace myself for nearly 12 months afterwards.

I had glandular fever in my mid twenties, it allowed various genetically based auto immune conditions to flare. they weren't diagnosed till twenty years later, when the rheumatology prof congratulated me on living a good life "bet you thought you were a hypochondriac didn't you" he said. Yes - I'd been that thing the doctors call TATT, tired all the time, aching joints etc. The diagnosis, though scary was somewhat reassuring, I no longer felt I was somehow making myself feel tired.

Thank goodness I saw this thread.I'm 75, and was fit and healthy until a week before Christmas when I got a viral infection. It wasn't flu and I've had a course of antibiotics, but though I've carried on as per usual, I'm still feeling drained. So I've noted down all hints and suggestions and it's reassured me that with a bit of luck, I could be back to normal at some point soon. Thank you everyone.

I had Glandular fever many years ago, long before Chronic fatigue syndrome was ever mentioned, but oh my goodness, the exhaustion that I felt after I recovered from the actual illness was overwhelming. At that time, I was a keen jogger who used to run several miles every other day. Post virus, It was as much as I could do to get out of bed at times !! It really got me down.
I saw my GP who told me that the best thing that I could do was to get out into the fresh air and start some gentle walking. I have to be honest, I really had to push myself, but I did and it was the best thing that I could have done, building up the distance gradually. It not only helped physically, but mentally too. It was the best piece of advice he could have given me. Good luck Falconbird.?

Star lily I am also 80 in July, mine is the 12th. We should have a joint virtual party.
I get tired but don't sleep well, on the other hand I am very seldom ill.

Falconbird i swear by Metatone which is a tonic from the chemist, it says dilute on the bottle but i just take a quick swig once a day. It really does make a difference. Goodluck

I had a virus infection a while ago, (wasn't flu), and it lasted for weeks. I would start to feel not so bad, then very ill again. Since then I have been feeling completely washed out, and have no energy. I am so tired and sleep much longer than I have ever done. I quite often fall asleep after doing something like stripping a bed and remaking it. I know that part of the problem is age related (80 in July), but until I had this virus I was fine. I hope that I will improve soon as life now is not really worth living.

That debilitating virus has been circulating here in our part of Canada, too. Many have experienced the lingering exhaustion. Once the snow clears....maybe the arrival of spring will help.

I've found homeopathy helps. Good luck.

For about ten years I had PVF every time I caught a bug, no matter how minor, then I had a really nasty respiratory infection, had PVF for six months. Woke one morning and it had gone and I haven't had it since. That was about 10 years ago.

I didn't see a doctor because I knew there was no treatment, but why it was ubiquitous for 10 years then disappeared completely I have no idea.

I had the worst throat infection/virus in 2000. After many tests I was diagnosed with M.E/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). I've had to learn to adapt. I had a virus which was flu like recently & it really knocked me for six. My OH has had a virus which is on its third return. Just gets well then it's back again. Hope you're better soon.

Yes indeed, someone suggested probiotic yoghurt drinks, Vit B complex and Vit D, probably a coincidence but within a week I felt better

Just a thought, but you could google for your local Forever Living rep, and have a chat with them. Aloe can help with general health and energy levels. Worth a bit of research.

I have always had lots of energy and stamina but I find as I get older even 'normal'life is harder to cope with and I don't bounce back as quickly when I get really tired so a nasty virus can I knock me for six
Agree as much sun as possible (could you manage a cheapie break somewhere warm?)Gentle exercise,cosset yourself
Evryone I know says it's been a long winter and they are weary

Last Easter I had flu and have never felt so ill; for months afterwards the slightest exertion left me feeling that my legs were going to give way.I still get bouts of dizziness, and I lost my sense of taste and smell completely, although acupuncture is helping to bring it back slowly.My GP said never underestimate a virus; I have always been fit and healthy, and this came as a complete shock that I could be wiped out for so long, and damaged, as the loss of taste and smell has been so trying, affecting all areas of life. So, please do take care of yourself, eat properly and rest when you need to (the advice i was given and I'm sure you will be too)

Taking a while to recover from a bad virus is not unusual. Take multi vitamins, get plenty of rest (though also some mild exercise when you are able) and try to get a bit of sunshine which seems to help mind and body. Don't rush things or have unrealistic expectations. Twenty-somethings can bounce back but older folk need a bit of TLC and time.

Parrishs' Food is what my Mum used to give me after a virus. I have just looked it up on line to see if you can still get it and found that it is used for racing pigeons now!

There is no harm in getting a tonic to help top you up on goodies. But the fact that you are so tired is probably just the aftermath of a nasty virus - but do get it checked out by GP if it goes on.

Hope you will regain your energy soon.

Be as good to yourself as you are able ?
Make your favourite food, soup or chocolate pud, whatever takes your fancy!
Rest, relax, box sets with your favourite actor/actress and you'll feel better in no time at all ?

Your body is telling you to rest. Listen to it - especially when older, otherwise the consequences are just that you feel horrible for longer!
I agree with everyone on this thread; be nice to yourself, don't feel guilty if you fall asleep at random time; feed yourself well.
One good thing is that the weather is better - sit out in the sunshine, Vit. D is the "happiness" vitamin.
One other thing. I used to hate my MiL telling me that the children needed "a tonic" but if I gave it to them, they got better sooner. Try it - multi vitamins, or a good old fashioned tonic!
ALL the best .

Thanks all, I think when I was younger (70 now) I probably did suffer from PVF but it only lasted for a short time. I appreciate all your comments very much. It was a particularly nasty virus (I think it's going the rounds) I also feel very low in spirits and everything is an effort except for on line shopping which really cheers me up and Grans net. I child mind for 3 grandchildren and I had to cancel one session because I was so weak and weary. This was the first time ever that I couldn't do it.

It's very common but we don't like to admit it. In the olden days people were more open to the fact that it could take time to recover from an illness and even had convalescent homes. Now we expect to leap back into action the moment the main symptoms disappear.

Give yourself and your body a break. Sleep when you need to and don't try to do too much or even normal things too soon.

I had a horrible chest infection year ago, which left me exhausted for some time. Even a month after stopping antibiotics, I could do a quarter of the walk I do most days. It took some time to recover and agree with Swanny's advice. Your mind and body need to rest and recover, look after yourself.