postviral

Postviral is a descriptive term used in medicine to refer to symptoms or syndromes that persist after an acute viral infection. It is not a single disease but a collection of potential sequelae that may follow illnesses caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, dengue, or SARS-CoV-2.

Common manifestations include persistent fatigue, malaise, headaches, myalgias, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, and autonomic symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations. In some contexts, post-viral fatigue syndrome or post-acute sequelae after specific viruses are described, including long-term effects after COVID-19 (often called long COVID or PASC). The term is used variably in the literature; not all postviral symptoms meet formal diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder.

Possible mechanisms are not fully understood and likely involve immune activation, neuroinflammation, autonomic dysfunction, metabolic disturbances, and deconditioning after illness. The heterogeneity of presentations makes a single diagnostic test or criterion unlikely.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and exclusion of alternative causes. Key elements are a prior defined viral illness and persistence or new onset of symptoms for weeks to months after the acute phase. Other tests may be used to rule out competing diagnoses.

Management emphasizes symptom relief and function preservation. This can include activity pacing, sleep optimization, management of pain and mood symptoms, rehabilitation, and treating comorbid conditions. Pharmacologic treatment is individualized. Prognosis ranges from complete recovery over weeks to months in many cases, to persistent symptoms in a substantial minority.

See also: post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, long COVID, post-viral syndrome.