People who have had COVID-19 are more likely to develop the disease Chronic fatigue syndromeofficially known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
That's according to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine earlier this month, which found that 4.5% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus, developed chronic fatigue.
In comparison, only 0.6% of study participants who were not infected with the Corona virus had the second case.
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The researchers determined that ME/CFS cases were 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
People who have had COVID-19 are more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, officially known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). (Istock)
“As a researcher committed to understanding how viral infections lead to chronic disease, I questioned this through The beginning of the epidemic The study's lead author, Susan D., said: “SARS-CoV2 can cause ME/CFS, so these findings are not surprising,” said Dr. Vernon, Ph.D., of the Pittman Horn Center in Salt Lake City.
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The study was part of the National Institutes of Health's RECOVER (Research on Coronaviruses to Enhance Recovery) program, which aims to better understand, prevent and treat the long coronavirus, according to an NIH press release.
The study included 11,785 participants. At least six months after they were infected with the Corona virus, the researchers assessed whether they had developed chronic fatigue. They then compared these results to 1,439 people who had not been infected with the coronavirus.
The researchers determined that ME/CFS cases were 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. (Istock)
“There are no specific tests or biomarkers, so ME/CFS is diagnosed when someone has a set of specific symptoms,” Vernon told Fox News Digital.
“This study asked participants questions to identify the symptoms they were experiencing, which could be considered a limitation but is currently the method used to diagnose ME/CFS.”
“It is known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the case of viral infections.”
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, was not surprised that chronic fatigue occurred after surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“It is known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in cases of viral infections,” Perry, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
“Given the fact that SARS-CoV-2 was a new virus at the time of the pandemic, the occurrence and spread of post-infectious syndromes were difficult to predict.”
“It is known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in cases of viral infections,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (Istock)
The study has some limitations when trying to compare them Different virusesThe doctor indicated.
“Patients were required to self-report their symptoms,” he said. “This makes being able to compare symptoms between viruses difficult, as highlighting the coronavirus will increase the potential for selection bias.”
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It's difficult to pinpoint exactly how chronic fatigue occurs in the setting of a viral infection, according to Berry.
“More studies “It needs to be done to determine the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Given the lack of complete understanding, it is difficult to determine how to adequately prevent the syndrome,” he said.
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ME/CFS is “a complex, serious, and chronic condition that often occurs after infections,” the National Institutes of Health wrote.
This condition is characterized by “new-onset fatigue” that lasts for at least six months and impairs a person's ability to engage in normal activities.
“There are both physical and psychological components to the syndrome.”
The study stated that another symptom is “feeling malaise after exertion,” where a person feels extremely tired after physical or mental activity.
People with ME/CFS may also experience “Unrefreshing sleep“, in addition to cognitive impairment or dizziness when standing.
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Many of these symptoms are also associated with long Covid, the researchers wrote.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a big problem for patients,” Perry told Fox News Digital. “There is both physical and Psychological components of the syndrome.”
“Establishing a relationship with a doctor who knows your baseline activity level will ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention if any changes occur,” one doctor advises. (Istock)
Perry emphasized that patients can experience immediate fatigue and decreased ability to do normal activities – and this can also lead to Anxiety and depression Because of these changes.
“It is very difficult to adequately understand the difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and…underlying mental health changes,” he said. “This makes it very difficult to explain the disease to patients.”
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Perry advises those experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue to contact their primary care physician.
“Establishing a relationship with a doctor who knows your baseline activity level will ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention if there are any changes,” he said.
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“For example, an athlete who is no longer able to stay awake throughout the entire work day would certainly be of concern to a doctor who knows this patient well. This relationship will also allow for appropriate treatment Medicines and treatments To start early in the process.”
“The significant increase in ME/CFS cases after COVID-19 means providers will encounter this condition more frequently,” the researcher said. (Istock)
Vernon said this research underscores an “urgent call to action,” “particularly for health care providers.”
“The significant increase in ME/CFS cases post-COVID-19 means providers will encounter this condition more frequently,” she predicted.
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The researcher called for early recognition and proper management of ME/CFS, which she said could “change the lives” of patients.
“We hope this study helps everyone understand that ME/CFS is a real, diagnosable condition that requires attention, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.”
