Pain is not always bad. This is true when it comes to myalgia or body pain during a viral infection. It is a sign that the immune system is working at full throttle to fight the infection. While it can be frustrating to have muscle ache, especially when one is already enduring a host of other symptoms, myalgia is a sign of a robust immune system.
Why do muscles ache when sick
Contrary to common perceptions, a body ache is not caused by the virus, but by the immune system, while attempting to combat the virus.
“When there is a viral infection, the body tries to control the virus and destroy it with the help of white blood cells (WBCs). The WBCs release cytokines which are proteins that regulate immune responses. Interleukin-6 is a type of cytokine that causes inflammation of the muscles, leading to myalgia,” says Dr Aniket Mule, consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai.
While the pain usually subsides in 3-5 days, sometimes it may linger for weeks or months, says Dr Brunda MS, consultant, internal medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. “This can be post-viral asthenia, where flu-like symptoms persist long after a person fights off the infection,” she adds.
Adding further, Dr Brunda says that people with weakened immune systems, underlying conditions like diabetes, cardiac issues, those undergoing cancer treatment, and with deficiencies may experience more exaggerated symptoms and a slower recovery.
Body pain during dengue and chikungunya
According to Dr Mule, during certain viral infections like dengue and chikungunya, the myalgia tends to extend for weeks and months.
“The interleukins tend to accumulate and can take more time to exit the body,” points out Dr Mule.
Agreeing with Dr Mule, Dr Brunda says that these immune responses happen on a cellular level and the disruption of the immune system takes longer time to heal and come back to normalcy.
“In chikungunya, inflammation is largely seen in the joints, leading to severe joint pain (arthralgia), in dengue the pain is more prominent in the muscles,’ adds Dr Mule.
Myalgia as a symptom of Covid
During the pandemic, myalgia was one of the initial symptoms of SARS-CoV2 for many. According to a 2022 study published in the official journal of Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the Musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations of Covid-19 are common but have been relatively underreported, possibly because of the severity of manifestations in other organ systems. The study on ‘Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Covid-19: Currently Described Clinical Symptoms and Multimodality Imaging Findings’ said that those who had undergone sedation or critically ill were unable to alert clinicians of their MSK symptoms.
When to worry about myalgia
According to Dr Mule, if body pain lasts over a week, one must seek medical attention.
“If the pain is concentrated to certain muscle groups like calf muscles, thigh muscles, and if there is redness and swelling in these areas, it needs to be probed further,” says Dr Mule.
Treating body aches
Dr Brunda advises ample amounts of rest and medications like paracetamol (no self-medication). “Occasionally, painkillers may be prescribed, depending on the intensity of the pain.”
Those with vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin C deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency are given supplements to aid recovery.
“Adequate hydration is also important as dehydration can exacerbate muscle pain,” adds Dr Brunda.
Takeaways
- One of the common symptoms of viral infections is myalgia or body pain. Myalgia is a result of the immune system fighting off the infection, which causes inflammation of the muscles.
- The white blood cells release cytokines which are proteins that regulate immune responses. Interleukin 6 is a cytokine that is responsible for muscle inflammation and the resultant muscle ache.
