Feeling extra tired? This virus can be a criminal, says research
People with covid-19 have a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) (ME/CFS).
That’s according to a study published earlier this month in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, where 4.5% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed chronic fatigue.
In contrast, only 0.6% of study participants without Covid developed the second condition.
Do you always feel tired? Experts share 4 common causes of daytime fatigue.
The researchers determined that ME/CFS cases were 15 times higher than before the epidemic.
People with covid-19 have a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) (ME/CFS). (iStock)
“As a researcher trying to understand how viral infections lead to chronic disease, I suspected that SARS-CoV2 might trigger ME/CFS since the outbreak began, so these results are not surprising,” said lead study author Susan D. PhD, from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City.
Trump’s Daylight Saving Time Plan and Sleep: What You Need to Know
The study was part of the National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) program, which aims to better understand, prevent and treat chronic COVID-19, according to an NIH press release.
The study included 11,785 participants. At least six months after contracting Covid, researchers assessed chronic fatigue. They then compared those results to 1,439 people who did not have Covid.
The researchers determined that ME/CFS cases were 15 times higher than before the epidemic. (iStock)
“There is no specific diagnosis or biomarker, so ME/CFS is diagnosed when a person has certain symptoms,” Vernon told Fox News Digital.
“This study asked participants questions about what symptoms they were experiencing, which can be considered a limitation, but it is a method currently used to diagnose ME/CFS.”
“Chronic fatigue syndrome is known to occur in viral infections.”
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry of South Carolina is not surprised that chronic fatigue occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome is known to occur during viral infections,” Perry, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
Given the fact that SARS-CoV-2 was a novel virus at the time of the outbreak, the occurrence and spread of such post-infectious syndromes were difficult to predict.
A doctor told Fox News Digital, “Chronic fatigue syndrome is known to occur when a viral infection occurs.” (iStock)
The doctor pointed out that the study has some limitations when trying to compare different viruses.
“Patients were required to self-report their symptoms,” he said. This makes the ability to compare symptoms across viruses difficult, as the focus on Covid increases the possibility of selection bias.
Deep sleep prevents two major health problems in Bay, new research suggests
According to Perry, it is especially difficult to determine how chronic fatigue occurs when a viral infection occurs.
Further studies should be done to determine the exact pathophysiology of the disease, he said. “Without this complete understanding, it is difficult to determine how to adequately prevent the syndrome.”
What to know about chronic fatigue
ME/CFS “is a complex, severe, and chronic illness that follows an infection,” the NIH writes.
The condition is marked by “new-onset fatigue” that lasts at least six months and impairs the person’s ability to participate in normal activities.
“There are physical and psychological components to the syndrome.”
Another symptom is “post-exercise fatigue,” where the person feels extremely tired after physical or mental activity, according to the study.
People with ME/CFS may experience “restless sleep,” as well as cognitive impairment or dizziness when standing.
Click here to access the FOX NEWS app
Many of these symptoms are associated with prolonged COVID, the researchers wrote.
“Chronic fatigue syndrome can be very problematic for patients,” Perry told Fox News Digital. “There are physical and psychological components to the syndrome.”
“Having a relationship with a physician who knows your baseline activity level will ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention if there are changes,” advises Dr. (iStock)
Perry said patients may feel downright fatigued and have a reduced ability to perform normal activities – which can lead to anxiety and depression due to these changes.
“It’s very difficult to adequately understand the difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and psychiatric/mental health changes,” he said. “This makes it a very difficult disease to explain to patients.”
‘CALL FOR URGENT ACTION’
People who experience chronic fatigue should contact their primary care physician, Perry advises.
“Having a relationship with a physician who knows your baseline activity level will ensure appropriate evaluation and intervention if there are changes,” he said.
Click here to subscribe to our health newsletter
“For example, a triathlete sees a doctor who knows his patient well enough that he can’t even stay awake all day.”
The researcher said the sharp increase in ME/CFS cases after Covid-19 means providers are dealing with this condition more frequently. (iStock)
This study underscores an urgent call to action, Vernon said — “especially for health care providers.”
“The dramatic increase in ME/CFS cases post-Covid-19 means that providers will encounter this condition more frequently,” she predicted.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
The researcher called for early recognition and proper management of ME/CFS, which she said could be “life-changing” for patients.
“We hope this study helps everyone understand that ME/CFS is a real and treatable condition that needs attention, especially during a global pandemic.”