COVID-19 Linked to Surge in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cases, Study Finds
Research Reveals 15-Fold Increase in ME/CFS Cases Since Pandemic Began
A new study suggests that people who have had COVID-19 are significantly more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The findings, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, reveal a staggering 15-fold increase in ME/CFS cases compared to pre-pandemic levels.
COVID-19 Infections Increase ME/CFS Risk
According to the study, 4.5% of people who had COVID-19 later developed chronic fatigue syndrome, compared to just 0.6% of those who never had the virus. This suggests a strong link between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the onset of long-term fatigue symptoms.
“As a researcher dedicated to understanding how viral infections lead to chronic illness, I suspected from the beginning of the pandemic that SARS-CoV-2 could trigger ME/CFS, so these results are not surprising,” said Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon, the study’s lead author from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City.
Understanding the Study: Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue
The research was part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) program, which aims to better understand and treat long COVID.
The study analyzed 11,785 participants, assessing their health status at least six months after they contracted COVID-19. Researchers then compared their findings to a control group of 1,439 people who never had COVID.
The results strongly suggest that ME/CFS is emerging as a long-term consequence of COVID-19 infections, adding to the growing list of post-viral complications linked to the pandemic.
Medical Experts Weigh In on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a South Carolina-based physician who was not involved in the study, noted that the findings align with previous research on viral infections and chronic fatigue.
“It’s well-known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the setting of viral infections,” Perry said. This supports the idea that COVID-19 may be acting as a trigger for long-term fatigue in certain individuals.
Why This Matters: The Growing Concern Over Long COVID
The sharp rise in chronic fatigue cases underscores the importance of continued research into long COVID and its lasting effects. Millions of people worldwide may now be facing debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and other post-viral symptoms as a direct result of COVID-19.
While there is no cure for ME/CFS, medical experts recommend lifestyle adjustments, symptom management, and supportive treatments to help affected individuals improve their quality of life.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next in Chronic Fatigue Research?
As scientists work to uncover the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, this study highlights the urgent need for more resources to address ME/CFS and other post-viral syndromes. With more people experiencing persistent fatigue and exhaustion, healthcare systems must prepare to support patients dealing with long-term COVID-related conditions.
Source : Swifteradio.com
