The Rise of Chronic Fatigue in the Pandemic

I’ve been becoming increasingly busier with more and more clients presenting with post-viral illness following COVID-19. 

Also termed as LONG COVID, we know that 8-10% of the global COVID population are becoming unwell with chronic symptoms that they just cannot seem to shift.

Symptoms include:

1. Fatigue
2. Exhaustion
3. Breathlessness
4. GI symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea
5. Food intolerance
6. Sensitivities to chemicals, light, noise and smells
7. Exercise intolerance (post exertional malaise)
8. Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, memory loss, forgetfulness)
9. Anxiety and low mood

It’s a time where, more than ever, multi-disciplinary care is needed in dealing with these complex, chronic illnesses and therapists like me are busier than ever in helping to support and guide clients on their recovery path.

I’m seeing the words “LONG COVID” on a news headline EVERY SINGLE DAY; it’s clear that post viral issues and chronic fatigue are gaining increasing coverage and momentum in the mainstream media.

But the real tragedy is, M.E / CFS has been around LONG BEFORE COVID and yet no spotlight has been given to it until now. What about the millions of sufferers who have been dealing with these complex chronic symptoms for a lifetime, nevermind for a few months?!

Whilst it’s great to see that the NHS and the government are investing £10 million into Long Covid clinics and research, it’s a shame that it’s taken a global pandemic for the government to have woken up and seen the realities of this problem.

Who in the ME / CFS community feels a slight sense of injustice on the Long COVID coverage? Curious to hear your thoughts.

You can also find a link to my CFS book here.