COVID-19 WARNING: Global alert for vaccinated people: this will happen to them too.
For thousands with long-term COVID-19, symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, and disorientation are a daily reality. Simple activities such as reading can lead to an overwhelming exhaustion that feels like a complete collapse.
A Yale University study revealed a significant connection, finding that nearly half of those with long COVID meet the criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This is a serious neurological and immune disorder.
ME/CFS is not simple tiredness; it is a complex illness that causes a severe drain after minimal physical or mental effort. It was often misunderstood in the past but is now recognized as involving widespread bodily dysfunction.
Researchers have identified striking biological similarities between long COVID and ME/CFS. Both conditions show immune system problems, malfunctioning mitochondria, and issues with the autonomic nervous system.
These physiological abnormalities explain common symptoms like heart palpitations and brain fog. Despite this evidence, patients often appear healthy and face skepticism from doctors, employers, and even family members.
Patient advocates are pushing for greater recognition, increased research funding, and necessary workplace accommodations. Online communities have become vital for sharing coping strategies, such as pacing activities and prioritizing rest.
Scientists now hope that studying long COVID will finally provide answers for ME/CFS, potentially leading to diagnostic tests and effective treatments for millions of sufferers.
