In early 2020 a new viral infection emerged which spread into a worldwide pandemic, this infection was named SARS-CoV-2 or Covid-19.
It has been a long held view that viral infection can be one of the triggers of ME/CFS and there was concern that a viral pandemic would lead to a rise in cases of ME/CFS or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome. Unfortunately, this now appears to have become reality.
Since the early stages of the pandemic there has been an estimated 10-15% of people infected with Covid-19 who have not made a full recovery after the acute illness phase. The term Long Covid has been used to describe this persistence of symptoms lasting more than 3 months after the initial infection.
Whilst there are a wide range of symptoms associated with Long Covid, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, a significant proportion are experiencing fatigue, cognitive impairments, and Post Exertional Malaise.
Long Covid patients also often demonstrate the fluctuating pattern of symptoms and impairment seen in ME/CFS patients.
A number of preliminary studies around the world have shown that around 50% of patients with Long Covid meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS.
The Office of National Statistics has estimated that there are over 2 million people affected by Long Covid in the UK, this means potentially 1 million new cases of ME/CFS.
At KCIMESG we have recognised the overlaps between ME/CFS and Long Covid since early in the pandemic and welcome anyone suffering from Long Covid, whether diagnosed or not, to join us for support and information.