What is ME/CFS and Long Covid?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term health condition that affects different body systems.

One of the main symptoms is feeling much worse after physical activity, thinking hard, or dealing with strong emotions. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Symptoms may get worse straight away or a few days later and can take a long time to improve.

• People with ME/CFS may also:
• Feel extreme tiredness, even after resting
• Have trouble sleeping
• Find it hard to think clearly, remember things, or concentrate (sometimes called brain fog)
• Experience pain in different parts of the body

One of the main symptoms is feeling much worse after physical activity, thinking hard, or dealing with strong emotions. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Symptoms may get worse straight away or a few days later and can take a long time to improve.

People with ME/CFS may also:

• Feel extreme tiredness, even after resting
• Have trouble sleeping
• Find it hard to think clearly, remember things, or concentrate (sometimes called brain fog)
• Experience pain in different parts of the body

Long Covid is a condition where symptoms continue or develop after a Covid-19 infection and last for several weeks or months.

People with Long Covid may have breathing problems, but they can also have symptoms that are like ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These include extreme tiredness, feeling worse after activity, and problems with memory and concentration.

Everyone’s experience is different. Symptoms can change from day to day and may get better or worse without much warning. These conditions can have a big impact on daily life, work, school, and relationships.

Receiving a diagnosis of ME/CFS or Long Covid can be an important step in understanding your symptoms and accessing appropriate support.

Currently, there is no single diagnostic test for ME/CFS or Long Covid. Healthcare professionals diagnose the condition by assessing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and ruling out other possible causes.

What to expect

Your GP or healthcare professional may:

• Discuss your symptoms and how they affect daily life
• Review your medical history
• Arrange blood tests or other investigations to rule out other conditions
• Monitor symptoms over time before confirming a diagnosis

Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns, triggers and fluctuations, and may support discussions with healthcare professionals.

Cora Health is a national independent healthcare provider providing services on behalf of the NHS.

This Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Long Covid service is a specialist service that provides assessment, guidance, and personalised care plans for people living with ME, CFS or Long Covid within Kent and Medway who have been referred by their GP.

Clinic locations in Kent and Medway

Canterbury Health Centre
26 Old Dover Rd
Canterbury CT1 3JH Canterbury Health Centre

Dartford West Health centre Tower Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2HA Dartford West Health Centre

Rainham Healthy Living Centre
103-107 High St
Rainham
Gillingham ME8 8AA Rainham Healthy Living Centre

Woodlands Health Centre
1-7 Allington Rd
Paddock Wood
Tonbridge
TN12 6AW Woodlands Health Centre

Visit Cora Health

Long Covid support is a charity providing support and advocacy for people with Long Covid. See more here