What we know about ME/CFS and Long Covid
ME/CFS is a multi-systemic illness meaning it affects multiple systems in the body
This can include the immune, nervous, endocrine, and metabolic systems. The exact cause is unknown, therefore there is ongoing medical debate regarding the underlying causes. Long Covid has several important clinical and pathological overlaps with ME/CFS.
For more information
The ME Association has a wealth of literature on ME/CFS and Long Covid including a booklet called “What you need to know about ME/CFS”:
Research Reviews
The ME Association also publishes free research reviews summarising biomedical studies on ME/CFS and Long Covid, written by Dr Katrina Pears and Charlotte Stephens. These accessible write-ups designed to inform patients and professionals, highlight major findings, clinical relevance, and emerging trends, often featuring updates from the MEA Ramsay Research Fund and insights from researchers we've interviewed or collaborated with. See latest below or view all research reviews.
We hear from Cara Tomas about her recent study on cellular bioenergetic deficiencies in ME/CFS | 13 November 2017
Trends in Neurosciences: Cognitive dysfunction/brain fog in various medical conditions – including ME/CFS and Long Covid
Research: Randomised Controlled Trial of Oxaloacetate for Improving Fatigue in ME/CFS
Research: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is clear to see in the blood
Research: Does ME/CFS involve low level inflammation in the brain and nervous system?
Research Summary – A map of metabolic phenotypes in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome – August 2021
Research Summary – Passive transfer of fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice – July 2021
Research Summary – Are people with ME/CFS at higher risk of complications from COVID infection?
Research Review: Reactivation of human herpesviruses and their role in ME/CFS and Long Covid
Research Review – What are the current treatments being trialled for Long COVID?
New study confirming endothelial dysfunction in ME/CFS
MEA Summary Review: US study of onset patterns and course of illness in ME/CFS | 29 January 2019
MEA Summary Review: UK ME Biobank – MAIT Cells are Increased in Severe ME/CFS | 16 April 2019
MEA Summary Review: The search for biomarkers in ME/CFS using Raman spectroscopy | 06 September 2018
MEA Summary Review: The Role of Mitochondria in ME/CFS | 13 July 2019
MEA Summary Review: Study suggests brain inflammation in ME/CFS | 15 January 2019
MEA Summary Review: Rethinking Childhood Adversity in ME/CFS | 30 October 2017
MEA Summary Review: Red blood cells in ME/CFS demonstrate reduced ability to change shape | 04 December 2018
MEA Summary Review: Natural Killer Cells as a Biomarker in ME/CFS | 17 August 2018
MEA Summary Review: Metabolites from ME/CFS implicate ‘Redox’ imbalance | 02 February 2019
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