Post-COVID Fatigue: A Study Links Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to SARS-CoV-2 Infections

Individuals recovering from COVID-19 are notably more susceptible to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), formally referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Recent research highlights this alarming trend.

Study Insights on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed that approximately 4.5% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, developed chronic fatigue syndrome. This percentage is significantly higher compared to the 0.6% of participants without COVID-19 who reported similar symptoms.

Lead investigator, Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City, emphasized the findings. “I suspected from the beginning of the pandemic that SARS-CoV-2 could trigger ME/CFS, so these results are not surprising,” she stated.

The Scale of the Study

The investigation was part of the National Institute of Health’s RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) program, aimed at better understanding, preventing, and treating long COVID. The study involved 11,785 participants, all assessed for symptoms of chronic fatigue at least six months post-COVID infection.

In conducting this research, the study compared the reported symptoms between those who experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 1,439 individuals who remained uninfected.

Diagnosis Challenges

Diagnosing ME/CFS remains complex, as it relies on identifying a range of symptoms without definitive tests or biomarkers. Dr. Vernon explained, “This study utilized participant surveys to document symptoms, highlighting current diagnostic limitations. However, this method remains standard practice for diagnosing ME/CFS.”

Expert Opinions on Findings

Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician from South Carolina, noted the study confirmed long-established links between viral infections and chronic fatigue syndrome. “Chronic fatigue syndrome often follows viral infections, and predictions regarding its prevalence post-COVID were challenging,” he remarked.

However, he mentioned that the insistence on self-reported symptoms could skew results due to potential selection bias. “This aspect complicates comparisons between different viruses,” he added.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The NIH characterizes ME/CFS as a serious and chronic illness prevalent after infections. It presents with new-onset fatigue lasting at least six months, coupled with debilitating symptoms such as post-exertional malaise—where physical or mental exertion results in extreme fatigue.

Moreover, individuals may also suffer from unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, and dizziness upon standing. The overlap of ME/CFS symptoms with those of long COVID poses further challenges for diagnosis and treatment.

Patient Experience and Recommendations

Dr. Perry emphasized the significant impact of chronic fatigue syndrome on patients’ lives. The combination of physical and psychological symptoms creates a challenging condition that often leads to anxiety or depression. He urged those showing signs of chronic fatigue to consult their primary care physician.

“Establishing a strong relationship with a healthcare provider can be crucial,