19-year-olds more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndromeofficially called myoencephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
That’s according to a study published earlier this month in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that found 4.5% of people infected with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID, suffered from chronic fatigue.
In contrast, only 0.6% of study participants did not co-develop the second condition.
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Researchers believe cases of ME/CF are 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
People with COVID-19 are more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, officially known as myomeningitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). (iStock)
“As a researcher working to understand how viral infections contribute to chronic disease, I suspect The beginning of the pandemic SARS-COV2 may trigger ME/CFS, so these results are not surprising. ” said lead study author Suzanne D. Vernon, Ph.D., from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City.
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According to an NIH press release, the research is part of the NIH’s Recovery Institute (Studying Covid to Enhance Recovery) program, which aims to better understand, prevent and treat COVID-19 in the long term.
The study included 11,785 participants. Researchers assessed whether they suffered from chronic fatigue at least six months after contracting Covid. They then compared these results with 1,439 people.
Researchers believe cases of ME/CF are 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. (iStock)
“There is no specific test or biomarker so ME/CFS is diagnosed when someone has specific symptoms,” Vernon told Fox News Digital.
“This study asked participants questions to identify symptoms they were experiencing that could be considered limiting but currently the way to diagnose ME/CFS.”
“It is known that in the setting of viral infection, chronic fatigue syndrome can occur.”
South Carolina-based physician Dr. Kenneth J. Perry is not surprised that chronic fatigue occurs SARS-COV-2 infection.
“It’s well known that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur in the context of viral infections,” Perry, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
“Given that SARS-COV-2 was a novel virus at the time of the pandemic, it is difficult to predict the incidence and prevalence of this post-infectious syndrome.”
“It’s well known that chronic fatigue syndrome can happen,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
The study does have some limitations in trying to compare different virusesthe doctor pointed out.
“Patients are required to self-report symptoms,” he said. “This makes the ability to compare symptoms across viruses difficult because the spotlight on Covid increases the possibility of selection bias.”
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Perry said it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how chronic fatigue occurs in the context of a viral infection.
“More research “The actual underlying pathophysiology of the disease must be determined. Given the lack of complete understanding, it is difficult to determine how to adequately prevent the syndrome,” he said.
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The NIH writes that ME/CFS is a “complex, severe, and chronic condition that often occurs after infection.”
A hallmark of this condition is “new-onset fatigue” that lasts for at least six months and impairs the person’s ability to engage in ordinary activities.
“There are both physical and psychological components to the syndrome.”
Another symptom is “post-surrender malaise,” in which a person feels extreme fatigue after physical or mental activity, the study said.
Me/people from CFS may experience this too”sleep without a doubt“Cognitive impairment or dizziness when standing.
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Many of these symptoms are also relevant long-term, the researchers wrote.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome can be very problematic for sufferers,” Perry told Fox News Digital. “Both the physical and psychological component syndrome. “
One physician recommended: “Have a relationship with a physician who knows your baseline activity level and will ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention if there are any changes.” (iStock)
Perry reiterated that patients can experience immediate fatigue and a reduced ability to perform normal activities – which can also lead to anxiety and depression Due to these changes.
“It’s difficult to fully understand the difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and…basic psychiatric/mental health changes,” he said. “That makes it a very difficult disorder to explain to patients.”
“Urgent call to action”
Perry recommends that those experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue should contact their primary care physician.
“Having a relationship with a physician 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, a triathlete who can no longer stay awake throughout the workday would absolutely be of concern to a doctor who understands the patient. This relationship also allows for appropriate Drugs and Therapies will be started during this process. “
“The dramatic increase in ME/CFS cases means providers will encounter this condition more frequently,” the researchers said. (iStock)
Vernon said the study highlights “urgent litigation,” “especially against health care providers.”
“The dramatic increase in ME/CFS cases means providers will encounter this more frequently,” she predicted.
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The researcher called for early recognition and appropriate management of ME/CFS, which she said could be “life-changing” for sufferers.
“We hope this study helps everyone understand that ME/CFS is a real and diagnosable disease that needs attention, especially in the wake of a global pandemic.”
