Preliminary studies are now showing that nearly half of people with Long COVID are presenting with ME/CFS. 

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is triggered by infection in up to 80% of cases. Other viral infections have triggered ME in 10-12% of individuals overall. Other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS have led to even higher rates of ME.  

That means we knew this was coming.

We warned our governments that they would face a wave of people with new and worsened chronic illness due to COVID-19 — yet our governmental institutions have failed to adequately prepare for this entirely forseeable crisis. Clinicians were not educated about the post-viral disease, nor about dangers of over-exertion, which has been shown to worsen the health of people with ME.

We must mobilize so that people with Long COVID are able to access the best possible management advice from the beginning. We know the harm that has been done to the ME community. Now, let us use our voices to protect others.

Most importantly, people who experience post-exertional malaise or PEM — worsened symptoms after physical and cognitive exertion — should be advised to rest and pace their activity. 

Unfortunately, many people with Long COVID are being encouraged to exercise and get back to work.

Take action today!
Help spread the word to those with Long COVID to Stop, Rest, and Pace.