A new study reveals a significant increase in chronic fatigue syndrome cases following COVID-19 infection. Researchers found that 4.5% of individuals who contracted SARS-CoV-2 developed chronic fatigue, compared to 0.6% of those who did not. The study highlights the long-term health implications of COVID-19 and the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying chronic fatigue syndrome.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals a concerning link between COVID-19 infection and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, medically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome ( ME/CFS ). The study found that 4.5% of individuals who contracted SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID, subsequently developed chronic fatigue. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 0.
6% rate observed among study participants who did not experience COVID infection. The researchers determined that cases of ME/CFS were 15 times higher compared to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the significant impact of the virus on long-term health outcomes. 'As a researcher dedicated to understanding how viral infections contribute to chronic illness, I anticipated from the outset of the pandemic that SARS-CoV-2 could trigger ME/CFS,' stated lead study author Suzanne D. Vernon, PhD, from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City. 'Therefore, these findings are not entirely unexpected.' This study, conducted as part of the National Institute of Health’s RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) program, aims to deepen our understanding of, and develop strategies for preventing and treating, long COVID.The study involved a comprehensive analysis of 11,785 participants, at least six months after their initial COVID infection. Researchers assessed the development of chronic fatigue in these individuals and compared the results to a control group of 1,439 people who had not contracted COVID. 'Given the absence of specific diagnostic tests or biomarkers, ME/CFS is diagnosed based on the presence of a constellation of specific symptoms,' Vernon explained to Fox News Digital. 'This study relied on participant responses to determine their symptom experiences, which, while currently the standard approach for diagnosing ME/CFS, presents a limitation.'Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, who was not involved in the research, acknowledged the known association between chronic fatigue syndrome and viral infections. 'It's well-established that chronic fatigue syndrome can occur following viral infections,' he stated to Fox News Digital. 'However, given that SARS-CoV-2 was a novel virus during the pandemic, predicting the incidence and prevalence of such post-infection syndromes was a complex undertaking.' While the study offers valuable insights, Perry pointed out certain limitations, particularly when comparing various viruses. 'Patients were required to self-report their symptoms,' he noted. 'This can make comparisons across viruses challenging, as the heightened focus on COVID might increase the likelihood of selection bias.'Determining the precise mechanisms underlying chronic fatigue development in the context of viral infection remains a challenge, according to Perry. 'Further research is necessary to elucidate the actual underlying pathophysiology of the disease,' he emphasized. 'Without a complete understanding, effectively preventing the syndrome proves difficult.
CHRONIC FATIGUE COVID-19 ME/CFS SARS-Cov-2 LONG COVID VIRAL INFECTIONS HEALTH OUTCOMES
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
COVID-19 Infection Linked to Increased Risk of ME/CFSA new study reveals a potential connection between COVID-19 infection and the development of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Researchers found a significantly higher rate of ME/CFS among individuals who had contracted COVID-19 compared to those who remained uninfected.
Read more »
COVID-19 Infection Linked to Increased Risk of ME/CFSA new study suggests that approximately 4.5% of adults who develop COVID-19 go on to experience ME/CFS, a debilitating and often lifelong condition characterized by fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and other symptoms. The research highlights the association between viral infections and ME/CFS, echoing findings from previous studies on illnesses like mono caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Scientists are investigating whether ME/CFS and long COVID are distinct illnesses or manifestations of a broader post-infection syndrome.
Read more »
COVID-19 Infection Linked to Increased Risk of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeA new study reveals a significant correlation between COVID-19 infection and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), highlighting the need for further research and awareness regarding long-term COVID effects.
Read more »
COVID-19 Infection Linked to Higher Risk of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeA recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The study, part of the National Institute of Health's RECOVER program, showed a 15-fold increase in CFS cases compared to pre-pandemic levels. Researchers emphasized the need for healthcare providers to be aware of this connection and to be prepared to diagnose and treat CFS in patients who may have had COVID-19.
Read more »
Candida Infection Linked to Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer in Achalasia PatientsA new study has found a strong association between Candida infection and an elevated risk of esophageal cancer in individuals diagnosed with achalasia. Researchers discovered that patients with Candida infection had an 8.2-fold higher likelihood of developing esophageal cancer compared to those without the infection. The study also identified older age at diagnosis and male sex as additional risk factors.
Read more »
Alcohol Consumption Raises Cancer Risk, Advisory Urges Updated WarningsA new advisory highlights the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of various cancers, urging for clearer health warnings on alcoholic beverages. The advisory emphasizes that alcohol is a preventable cause of cancer, responsible for approximately 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the United States. It recommends steps to raise public awareness about this risk and minimize harm.
Read more »