People who have had COVID-19 are more likely to develop it 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 COVID, developed chronic fatigue.
In comparison, only 0.6% of study participants who did not have COVID developed another condition.
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The researchers found that cases of ME/CFS 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 dedicated to understanding how viral infections lead to chronic diseases, I had my doubts the beginning of the pandemic that SARS-CoV2 could cause ME/CFS, so these results are not surprising,” said lead study author Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon of the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City.
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The study was part of the National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER (Research on COVID to Enhance Recovery) program, which aims to better understand, prevent and treat long-term COVID, according to an NIH press release.
The survey included 11,785 participants. At least six months after being infected with COVID, the researchers assessed whether they had developed chronic fatigue. They then compared those results with 1,439 people who did not have COVID.
The researchers found that cases of ME/CFS 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 constellation of specific symptoms,” Vernon told Fox News Digital.
“This study asked participants questions to determine what symptoms they had, which can be seen as a limitation, but is currently the approach used to diagnose ME/CFS.”
“It is well known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the setting of viral infections.”
dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a doctor from South Carolina, was not surprised by the frequency of chronic fatigue after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“It’s well known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the setting 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, it was difficult to predict the incidence and prevalence of such post-infection syndromes.”
“It’s well known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the setting of viral infections,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
The study has some limitations when trying to make comparisons different virusesthe doctor noted.
“Patients had to self-report their symptoms,” he said. “This makes it difficult to compare symptoms across viruses, as attention to COVID will increase the possibility of selection bias.”
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According to Perry, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how chronic fatigue occurs in the setting of a viral infection.
“More studies should be done to determine the actual underlying pathophysiology of the disease,” he said. “Given the lack of complete understanding, it is difficult to determine how to adequately prevent the syndrome.”
What you need to know about chronic fatigue
ME/CFS is “a complex, serious, and chronic condition that often occurs after an infection,” the NIH wrote.
The condition is characterized by “new onset fatigue” that lasts at least six months and reduces a person’s ability to engage in normal activities.
“There are both physical and psychological components to the syndrome.”
Another symptom is “post-exertional fatigue,” in which a person feels extreme fatigue after physical or mental activity, according to the study.
People with ME/CFS may also experience “unrefreshing sleep,” as well as cognitive impairment or dizziness when standing.
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Many of these symptoms are also associated with prolonged COVID, the researchers wrote.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome can be very problematic for patients,” Perry told Fox News Digital. “There are physical and psychological components syndrome.”
“A relationship with a doctor who knows your baseline activity level will ensure proper assessment and intervention if any changes occur,” the doctor advised. (iStock)
Perry reiterated that patients can experience outright fatigue and a reduced ability to perform normal activities — and it 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 psychiatric/psychological health changes,” he said. “This makes the disease very difficult to explain to patients.”
“Urgent call to action”
Those experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue should contact their primary care physician, Perry advises.
“A relationship with a doctor who knows your baseline activity level will ensure proper assessment and intervention if there are any changes,” he said.
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“For example, a triathlete who can no longer even stay awake for an entire work day would absolutely worry a doctor who knows that patient well. This relationship would also allow for appropriate drugs and therapies run earlier in the process.”
“The dramatic increase in ME/CFS cases following COVID-19 means that providers will encounter this condition far more often,” the researcher said. (iStock)
This research underscores “an urgent call to action,” Vernon said — “particularly to health care providers.”
“The dramatic increase in ME/CFS cases following COVID-19 means that providers will encounter the condition far more often,” she predicted.
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The researcher called for early recognition and proper treatment of ME/CFS, which she said could be “life-changing” for patients.
“We hope this study will help everyone understand that ME/CFS is a real condition that can be diagnosed and needs attention, especially in light of the global pandemic.”
