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Scientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses

A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2026

Mayo Clinic study details set of options family medicine physicians may consider to treat ME/CFS and long covid

A Mayo Clinic study analyzed records of 571 adults with ME/CFS and found that family medicine physicians often prescribed common pain-relievers and sleep aids before specialist consultation. The study suggests that these medications may be underutilized for treating core symptoms of ME/CFS, such as fatigue and brain fog.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 26, 2026

CODA supports international collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance microvascular research in complex chronic disorders

The Complex Disorders Alliance (CODA) is funding research on microvascular dysfunction and immune-mediated clotting processes in complex chronic disorders. Professor Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University and Dr. Mikki Tal of MIT are collaborating to expand understanding of these conditions.

New insights aided recovery from persistent fatigue

A new study from Linköping University has identified common steps and turning points in patients' stories, contributing to new ways of understanding and rehabilitating conditions like post-COVID-19 condition, exhaustion disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants described seeking knowledge outside the healthcare system and fi...

SourceLinköping University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·DateMar 10, 2026

Ketamine may fight chronic fatigue, study suggests

A study suggests ketamine may rapidly alleviate chronic fatigue symptoms in some individuals. Participants who received ketamine experienced a significant energy boost, which could be beneficial for those struggling with the debilitating condition.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacological Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2026

Tracker to help manage Long COVID energy levels created by researchers

A team of researchers at Lancaster University has created a digital platform called 'Pace Me' to help people with Long COVID manage their energy levels. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the intervention was safe and well-received, but did not outperform standard care in reducing symptoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2026

Study Reveals Details of Overactive Immune System in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 56 ME/CFS patients and 52 healthy controls, revealing disruptions in metabolic processes and immune dysregulation. The study suggests specific intracellular pathways correlate with symptoms, leading to potential biomarkers for targeted interventions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·Journalnpj Metabolic Health and Disease·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2025

Mount Sinai creates first manual for treating infection-associated chronic illness for clinicians

The Mount Sinai Hospital has launched the country's first clinical manual for treating infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACIs), a comprehensive guide for diagnosis and care. The manual covers extensive learnings from the Cohen Center and provides practical strategies for clinicians to support patients with conditions such as lon...

What long COVID-19, ME/CFS, and neuroscience have in common and to gain from one another

Long-haul COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome share similar pathophysiologies, including oxidative stress, autoantibodies, and impaired mitochondrial energy conversion. These conditions also exhibit neurodegenerative outcomes, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of dementia.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalNeuroprotection·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 16, 2025

ME/CFS cases in England much higher than first projected

A study published in BMC Public Health found that ME/CFS cases in England are significantly higher than initially projected, affecting approximately 404,000 people. The condition disproportionately affects white British individuals, who are almost five times more likely to be diagnosed than those from other ethnic groups.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2025

COVID-19 infection associated with nearly eightfold increase in chronic fatigue syndrome

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the rate of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) among COVID-19 survivors. Nearly eight times more people with ME/CFS were infected with SARS-CoV-2 than those without, according to the research.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2025

Research finds no difference in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence caused by COVID-19 and other acute illnesses

A new study led by UCLA found a 3% to 4% prevalence of ME/CFS-like illness among participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to those who tested negative. The research suggests COVID-19 may not be the primary cause of ME/CFS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024

Chronic fatigue syndrome: number of patients is expected to double due to long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identifies potential biomarkers for ME/CFS diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that patients can be divided into subgroups based on immune system function, revealing differences in intestinal barrier function and immune competence.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2024

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles RECOVER Study collaborators publish comprehensive report on long COVID symptoms in children

A comprehensive report on pediatric long COVID symptoms has been published, revealing clues to risk factors and common symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. The study found that older age, more severe initial infection, and underlying medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of long COVID.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 12, 2024

Mount Sinai receives $6.2 million grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation for the clinical care of long Lyme disease

The Mount Sinai Hospital's Cohen Center will expand its research and clinical care to include 'long Lyme Disease/Lyme+', exploring key similarities and differences with long COVID. The center will offer novel therapies, including virtual reality and non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, as well as personalized cognitive rehabili...

Long COVID: lower risk after an Omicron infection

A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that individuals infected with the Omicron variant have a significantly lower risk of developing long COVID compared to those infected with earlier variants. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 people and found that around half of all wild-type infe...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2023

Similar symptoms, biological abnormalities underlie long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

A review article by senior investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome share similar symptoms, including brain, immune system, heart, lung, gut, and energy metabolism abnormalities. The study aims to identify areas requiring further research for improved diagnostic tests and treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2023

Could a vitamin deficiency cause ‘double-jointedness’ and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Tulane University researchers discovered a possible genetic cause of hypermobility and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, linking it to folate deficiency due to the MTHFR gene variation. Elevated folate levels in blood tests can aid in diagnosis, while methylated folate has shown promising treatment results for patients.

SourceTulane University·JournalHeliyon·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2023

Post-COVID syndrome visible in DNA

Researchers found epigenetic changes in post-COVID patients, including genes associated with taste and smell, as well as cell metabolism. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic tools for this and similar diseases.

SourceLinköping University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Microbiome disturbances reported as signature of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have identified differences in gut microbiomes between people with ME/CFS and healthy controls. Gut bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, which are normally health-promoting, were reduced in ME/CFS participants. The study found a deficient mic...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Helping patients manage long covid

A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation·DateAug 23, 2022

Physical activity – double edged sword in long COVID recovery

A UK study found that physical activity can improve mental health and wellbeing for some with long COVID, but excessive exercise can exacerbate symptoms. Researchers recommend a 'paced' approach to return to exercise, prioritizing individualized programs to mitigate negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

Story tip from Johns Hopkins experts on COVID-19

A recent study suggests that COVID-19 may cause myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in young people. Three case studies reviewed by Johns Hopkins Medicine found ME/CFS-like symptoms within two weeks of illness, with all patients meeting criteria for the condition six months later.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMay 19, 2021

NIH-funded study examines mono, chronic fatigue syndrome in college students

A longitudinal study of 4,501 college students found that those who developed chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis had more physical symptoms and immune irregularities at baseline. Researchers also discovered that emotional functioning and psychological states were not statistically different from those who recovered.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 22, 2021