Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, complex, neuroimmune disease that profoundly limits the health and productivity of patients and is often triggered by an infection. The main symptoms are extreme exhaustion (exacerbated by activity), cognitive dysfunction, and unrefreshing sleep. Other symptoms may vary.
Long Covid describes a collection of lingering symptoms devastating the lives of many infected by COVID-19. Long Covid affects an estimated 10-30% of people infected with COVID-19, including those who were asymptomatic. The most frequent prolonged symptoms are persistent fatigue, brain fog, and depleted energy after even a minimal effort.
Because post-infection diseases are not yet fully understood, there is no cure for ME/CFS or Long Covid, nor are there any FDA-approved drugs or treatments. However, there are interventions and symptom-reduction strategies that you can use to significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Providing compassionate and effective care for patients with ME/CFS and Long Covid can be challenging, like many other multisystemic chronic conditions. Patients and their providers must be partners with open lines of communication to effectively manage this illness. Below you will find education based on current research.
Learn more about current ME/CFS and Long Covid research through the Solve ME/CFS Initiative Webinar Series, and sign up for our newsletter. You can also find a list of experts and thought leaders here. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us.
In 2015, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) — formerly called the Institute of Medicine (IOM) — published a report summarizing the evidence base and redefining the diagnostic criteria. Key findings of the report included:
Resources and Guidance for Coding:
Medscape + CDC Online Courses:
Bateman Horne Center CME and CNE Offerings
Michigan State Medical Society:
Workwell Foundation + MedBridge courses for physical, occupational and speech therapists as well as nurses and other health care providers:
Long COVID and Fatiguing Illness Recovery Program (Family Health Centers of San Diego, the ECHO Institute, University of Washington and University of Colorado
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SolveCFS@SolveCFS.org
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