COVID-19 symptoms over time: comparing long-haulers to ME/CFS. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jason, Leonard A.; Islam, Mohammed F.; Conroy, Karl; Cotler, Joseph; Torres, Chelsea; Johnson, Mady; Mabie, Brianna
• Is Part Of: Fatigue. Volume 9:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Long-Haulers -- COVID-19 -- SARS CoV-2 virus -- myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome; Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Periodicals; Myalgic encephalomyelitis -- Periodicals; 616.047805
• DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2021.1922140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-1846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Our objective was to determine which symptoms among long-hauler COVID-19 patients change over time, and how their symptoms compare to another chronic illness group. Methods: 278 long-haulers completed two symptom questionnaires at one time point, with one recounting experiences during the first two weeks of their illness, an average of 21.7 weeks prior. We used a comparison group of 502 patients diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Participants completed a standardized symptom questionnaire and a list of additional CDC COVID-19 symptoms. Results: Over time, the long-haulers reported an overall reduction of most symptoms including unrefreshing sleep and post-exertional malaise, but an intensification of neurocognitive symptoms. When compared to ME/CFS, the COVID-19 sample was initially more symptomatic for the immune and orthostatic domains but over time, the long-haulers evidenced significantly less severe symptoms than those with ME/CFS, except in the orthostatic domain. Among the COVID-19 long haulers, several neurocognitive symptoms got worse over time, whereas improvements occurred in most other areas. Conclusions: These types of differential patterns of symptoms over time might contribute to helping better understand the pathophysiology of those reporting prolonged illness following COVID-19.