What are Long Covid & ME/CFS?
Definition
Long Covid is being recognised as a ‘Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome' similar to ME/CFS that is triggered by the Covid-19 virus.
NICE has produced a Rapid Guideline which is evolving as the evidence-base developes.
Long Covid doesn't have a clearly defined diagnostic criteria but recommendations are also aimed at improving life quality.
ME/CFS has long been recognised as a ‘Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome' and neurological condition by the World Health Organisation, NHS and Department of Health.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has determined a clearly defined diagnostic criteria and produced clinical recommendations that are aimed at improving life quality.
The ME Association endorses the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS and recommend it is read by patients, family members, and carers, and then discussed with healthcare professionals to ensure you are receiving the best standard of care.
Symptoms
Long Covid can cause a whole range of symptoms that in some people result from organ damage caused by the initial Covid-19 infection and in others more closely mimic those seen in ME/CFS.
ME/CFS is a complex and chronic medical condition that effects multiple body systems.
It most often develops after an acute viral or bacterial infection from which people seem unable to fully recover.
It can cause many different symptoms, which can be triggered or worsened by any kind of effort or activity.
Symptoms include flu-like malaise, sleep difficulties, brain fog and a profound fatigue that is unlike normal tiredness. People may also experience chronic pain, headaches, nausea, digestive problems, and sensitivity to light, sound and other stimuli.
Symptoms come and go and can change or worsen with little warning, causing distress and disrupting people’s lives.
ME/CFS is different for everyone. It can range from a milder illness to a severely disabling one that leaves some people housebound or bedbound.
Treatment
Long Covid has no effective drug treatment although given the significant number of people affected, research and clinical trials have been prioritised by many governments. We hope this research will lead to a better understanding of Long Covid and ME/CFS.
ME/CFS has no effective drug treatment and full recovery is rare, but symptoms can stabilise and improve over time with careful management and specialist support.
Research continues to try and better understand the underlying disease process and to develop preventative measures and treatments.
Long Covid and ME/CFS: Are they the same condition?
History
Since May 2020 it became apparent that significant numbers of people were not recovering from Covid-19 infection.
A ‘post-Covid syndrome' that became known as Long Covid often included symptoms that are the same as ME/CFS. In some cases people with Long Covid were meeting diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS.
ME Association
We have covered all aspects of Long Covid and regularly report on research and treatment developments.
We have produced a review of the key clinical and causative overlaps that occur between Long Covid and ME/CFS.
We have been welcoming people with Long Covid in increasing numbers since the pandemic.
Guidance
We possess extensive knowledge about ‘post-viral fatigue syndromes' and ME/CFS that has been developed over more than 40 years.
This expertise is being applied to help people with Long Covid and to improve healthcare services and the quality of life of those affected.
The NICE Guidelines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produce evidence-based clinical guidelines for health and social care professionals on many diseases including ME/CFS and Long Covid.
We recommend that people with symptoms or a diagnosis of ME/CFS or Long Covid review the relevant recommendations and discuss them with their healthcare provider to ensure a better understanding and the best standards of care and support.
