NIH
Increase in ME/CFS cases observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Researchers analyzed data from NIH’s RECOVER study, including 11,785 adults who'd been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 1,439 uninfected controls, to determine the incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) at least six months post infection. Results showed that 4.5% of post-COVID-19 participants met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, compared with 0.6% of uninfected participants, indicating a 15-fold increase in new ME/CFS cases compared with pre-pandemic levels. Common symptoms among the infected group included post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive impairment. The findings highlight the need for heightened awareness and monitoring of ME/CFS symptoms in patients recovering from COVID-19. However, further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted therapies.
Source:
(2025, January 13). NIH. NIH-funded study finds cases of ME/CFS increase following SARS-CoV-2. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-finds-cases-me/cfs-increase-following-sars-cov-2