COVID-19 Linked to Higher Risk of ME/CFS

Researchers have found a link between COVID-19 and an increased risk of developing myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine analyzed data from over 12,000 adults who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 or became infected later. The results showed that individuals who contracted COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of developing ME/CFS compared to those who were not infected.

According to the study, the incidence rate of ME/CFS in participants who followed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was nearly three times higher than that of uninfected individuals. The most common symptom reported by post-COVID patients with ME/CFS was post-exertional malaise.

Notably, the study found that approximately 88.7% of individuals who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19 also met criteria for long COVID. These findings suggest a significant and lasting impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of some individuals.

Source: https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/news/risk-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-higher-after-covid-19