Study suggests COVID-19 may reactivate Chronic Fatigue

A recent study in Frontiers in Immunology has revealed that even mild cases of COVID-19 can lead to the reactivation of viruses that can cause symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is characterized by dizziness, a racing heartbeat, and exhaustion. To determine if COVID compromises the immune system and allows latent viruses to circulate again, scientists compared unvaccinated COVID patients to those with chronic fatigue syndrome. Results showed that those with chronic fatigue syndrome had a higher amount of circulatory antibody responses, implying that their immune system was struggling to fight off lingering viruses. Furthermore, antiviral antibody fingerprints in saliva were found to be able to detect the reactivation of viruses. The authors of the study concluded that treatment plans to boost the antiviral immune response could be beneficial for those with chronic fatigue syndrome. The findings of this study provide important insight into the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the mechanisms that can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.