From the Guidelines
Night sweats after a viral infection occur primarily due to the body's immune response, which can temporarily affect the body's temperature regulation, leading to an inflammatory response and increased metabolic activity that generates heat and causes sweating. When fighting a virus, the immune system releases chemicals called cytokines that can trigger this response, raising body temperature and causing fever during the day and sweating at night as the body attempts to cool down 1. According to the 2022 ACC expert consensus decision pathway on cardiovascular sequelae of COVID-19, patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) may experience a wide range of symptoms, including night sweats, that can persist for 4-12 weeks and beyond 1.
Some key points to consider about night sweats after a viral infection include:
- The sweating typically resolves as the infection clears and the immune system returns to normal functioning 1.
- Night sweats usually improve within a few days to weeks after the viral infection subsides.
- To manage night sweats, patients can wear lightweight, breathable clothing to bed, use layers of bedding that can be removed easily, keep their bedroom cool, and stay hydrated.
- If night sweats persist for more than a few weeks after other symptoms have resolved, or if they're accompanied by unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider 1.
It's essential to note that while the exact mechanisms of night sweats after viral infections are not fully understood, the current evidence suggests that they are a common symptom of the body's immune response to infection 1. Therefore, managing night sweats and monitoring for any persistent or concerning symptoms is crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the Research
Night Sweats After Viral Infection
- Night sweats can occur after viral infections, although the exact mechanisms are not well understood 2.
- Research suggests that night sweats are a nonspecific symptom that can be linked to various conditions, including infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases 2.
- The prevalence of night sweats varies widely, ranging from 10% to 60% in different populations, and is not necessarily associated with a reduced life expectancy 2.
- Some studies suggest that alpha adrenergic blockers may reduce night sweats in patients taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while thalidomide and thioridazine may benefit terminal cancer patients with night sweats 2.
- However, there is limited evidence on the specific causes and management of night sweats after viral infections, and more research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
Sweating Disorders and Viral Infections
- Sweating disorders, including hyperhidrosis and anhidrosis, can be caused by central or peripheral autonomic nervous system damage 3.
- Viral infections can potentially disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to sweating disorders, but the exact relationship between viral infections and night sweats is not well established 3, 4.
- Some studies suggest that hyperhidrosis can be associated with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, which may be triggered by viral infections 4.
- However, the evidence on the link between viral infections and sweating disorders is limited, and more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Management of Night Sweats
- The management of night sweats depends on the underlying cause, and treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific condition 2, 5, 6.
- Some studies suggest that topical treatments, oral agents, and minimally-invasive medical approaches may be effective in managing hyperhidrosis, but the evidence on the management of night sweats after viral infections is limited 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to develop effective treatment strategies for night sweats after viral infections.