People who've had COVID are 8 times as Likely to develop the Chronic condition ME/CFS

Research reveals a 15x increase in chronic condition after COVID-19. 

Here’s what scientists are uncovering about Long COVID’s lasting effects.

A new NIH-funded study has found that COVID-19 may significantly increase the risk of developing myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a serious and often disabling condition. 

The research, part of the NIH’s RECOVER Initiative, revealed that 4.5% of individuals who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS six months post-infection—compared to just 0.6% of those never infected. ME/CFS is characterized by long-lasting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive problems, and dizziness upon standing—symptoms that overlap heavily with Long COVID.

Led by Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon at the Bateman Horne Center, the study evaluated nearly 13,000 adults and found the incidence of ME/CFS was 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. While the findings add to mounting evidence that viral infections can trigger ME/CFS, the study also underscores the need for further research into why certain individuals are more susceptible. Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 can lead to ME/CFS may pave the way for treatments that could benefit people with Long COVID and other post-infectious conditions.

source

SD Vernon et al., Incidence and Prevalence of Post-COVID-19 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Report from the Observational RECOVER-Adult Study, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2025.