Dr Ro SmithAug 29, 2023

Cannot stress this enough: if you think you have Long COVID: DO NOT EXERCISE.

I know it feels like you can, but post-exertional malaise means that the damage you do when you exercise you may not feel for a day or two. Exercising makes you WORSE. It causes damaging chemical reactions. And the first six months (when you probably haven't got a diagnosis) are your best shot at recovery, but only if you REST. Completely.

I despair when I see people say they think they have LC and then go jogging.

Show threadDr Ro SmithAug 29, 2023

You are ONLY hurting yourself. I know it goes against everything you've been taught about exercise, but DO NOT exercise.

This is coming from someone who was encouraged to keep exercising and has now been sick for 11 years.

Don't do it! Whatever little bump you think you'll get as a benefit isn't worth it! Do. Not.

Show threadcrockettAug 29, 2023
@Rhube I had CFS/ME and I strongly suspect it was caused by not resting after a viral infection and that the only reason I got better was that I did manage to get prolonged rest eventually. I've heard that only about 5% of people with CFS/ME recover.
Show threadDr Ro SmithAug 29, 2023
@crockett Yup. That sounds about right. I'm trying to negotiate some rest with work now, but it's likely too late for me, 11 years in.
Show threadcrockett
@Rhube I had it for several years before recuperating, so it could still be possible?
Aug 30, 2023 at 2:49amWeb