Analysis | What is the post-infection syndrome that plagues Pozin? When will it recover and return to the arena?

(Original article published on May 21, authored by TessDeMeyer on TheAthletic website, and the content of the article does not represent the translator's opinion)

The Celtics lacked important offensive puzzles during the Eastern Conference semifinals because the team's big man Porzingis was seriously restricted during the response to post-viral syndrome. This diagnosis sounds vague because the disease is medically vague.

Porzingis missed eight games from the end of February to the beginning of March due to an upper respiratory tract infection. A few days after the Celtics were eliminated by the Knicks, Stevens, the team's president of basketball operations, revealed that the ongoing impact of the virus on Porzingis limited his performance in the playoffs. The following is an in-depth analysis of the causes and subsequent effects of the health problems that caused the Latvian star to be unable to maintain his regular competitive state:

What is post-viral infection syndrome?

Post viral infection syndrome is a chronic health problem that occurs after the body recovers from viral infection. According to the Virginia Department of Health, symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headache, brain fog, shortness of breath and sleep disorders, and the latest example of the syndrome.

Essentially, post-viral syndrome can feel exhausted when the immune system fights off viral disease. Symptoms can last for days to months, and even people in excellent health are struggling to get rid of these stubborn symptoms. Porzingis, 29, said in March that he had been bedridden for a week after his first illness.

"I still feel lingering fatigue after that," Porzingis said on March 15. "Although there are still mild symptoms, I can at least barely reach the competition state. After every training, I suddenly feel exhausted. The extreme fatigue is too abnormal. The most distorting thing is that the cause of the disease cannot be found at all. I may have never had such a serious illness in my life."

What are the causes of post-viral infection syndrome?

Common triggers include the common cold, influenza, novel coronavirus, pneumonia, and the main pathogen that causes mononucleosis - EB virus. Although the Celtics have not disclosed the specific details of Porzingis' respiratory infection, the possibility of infection with COVID-19 has been clearly ruled out.

How to recover from post-viral syndrome?

According to the guidance of the British medical organization North Bristol National Health Trust, there are currently no effective treatments for post-viral syndromes. Medical professionals usually recommend restoration measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, low-intensity exercise, and increasing fluid intake. What impact has

Porzingis been affected?

During the regular season, Porzingis averaged 28.9 minutes per game and contributed 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. After entering the playoffs, his average playing time dropped sharply to 21 minutes. He only played for more than 20 minutes during the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and head coach Mazula revealed that the center missed the second half against the Knicks G5 due to "difficult breathing". During the first round of the Magic, Porzingis was able to contribute 12 points and 5.8 rebounds, while in the six-game series against the Knicks, he averaged only 4.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in 15.5 minutes.

When will Porzingis return to the field?

Celtics President Stevens said Porzingis will represent Latvia in the European Championships that will start in late August, and the Latvian national team will face the Turkish national team in the group stage on August 27. "In the playoff series that played the next day, this situation is extremely unfavorable for recovery, given the long journey and the intensity of physical confrontation between players." Stevens explained. "We expect the rest in the next few weeks will be of great benefit to him. He is about to play for the national team, and I think it is a good thing to participate in the European Championships, and his physical condition will definitely be fully recovered by then."

Original text: TessDeMeyer

Translated by: Li Taibai