Sweating, a common bodily function, can sometimes become a noticeable symptom during and after a COVID-19 infection. This phenomenon, often called “COVID sweat,” includes increased perspiration and night sweats. This article explores the underlying reasons for COVID-related sweating, offers practical management strategies, and discusses its connection to persistent post-viral conditions.
Understanding COVID-Related Sweating
Excessive sweating, including night sweats, can result from the body’s response to a COVID-19 infection. The body often raises its internal temperature as a defense mechanism to combat the coronavirus. This elevation in temperature, or fever, is a direct result of the immune system engaging with the pathogen.
The immune response involves the release of cytokines, which signal the immune system to fight infection. An overactive immune response can lead to an excessive release of these pro-inflammatory proteins, known as a “cytokine storm.” This heightened inflammatory state can disrupt the body’s normal temperature regulation, leading to increased sweating as the body attempts to cool itself.
The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like sweating and temperature regulation, can also be affected during a viral infection. The systemic inflammation and immune activation associated with COVID-19 can influence signals through this system, contributing to excessive sweating. Night sweats have been recognized as a symptom of COVID-19 variants like Delta and Omicron, typically resolving as the infection clears.
Managing Excessive Sweating
For individuals experiencing excessive sweating linked to COVID-19, several practical approaches can help manage the discomfort. Staying well-hydrated is important to replace fluids lost through sweating, which supports overall bodily functions and helps regulate temperature.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton or silk, can minimize visible signs of sweating and allow for better air circulation around the skin. Changing clothes and bedding frequently, especially after episodes of heavy sweating, promotes hygiene and comfort. Maintaining a cool environment, particularly in sleeping areas, can also help reduce the incidence of night sweats.
While these measures can provide relief, they are supportive and do not treat the underlying viral infection. If sweating is severe, disrupts daily activities significantly, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, or unexplained weight loss, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. A doctor can assess the situation and rule out other potential causes for the sweating.
Persistent Sweating and Long COVID
For some individuals, sweating symptoms may continue or emerge after the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed, a condition known as “Long COVID.” This persistent sweating can be a sign of dysautonomia, an umbrella term for disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates automatic bodily processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control, which includes sweating.
The exact way COVID-19 leads to dysautonomia is still being investigated, but theories suggest that an overactive immune system, chronic inflammation, or even direct viral effects on nervous system tissues may play a role. Sweat regulation can become disrupted, leading to ongoing symptoms like excessive sweating. Sweating or shivering are among the persistent symptoms reported in individuals with COVID-related dysautonomia.
The duration and intensity of these post-viral symptoms can vary considerably among individuals. Persistent sweating is part of a broader spectrum of symptoms that characterize long COVID, which can include fatigue, brain fog, and heart palpitations. Research continues to explore the mechanisms behind these lingering effects to develop more targeted treatments for those affected.