There is also a lack of clarity about the incidence of long COVID and the impact of vaccination, variants and reinfections due to “differing study methods, time since vaccination and definitions of long COVID,” the study authors state. “Many researchers have commented on the similarity between ME/CFS and long COVID; around half of individuals with long COVID are estimated to meet the criteria for ME/CFS, and in studies where the cardinal ME/CFS symptom of postexertional malaise is measured, a majority of individuals with long COVID report experiencing postexertional malaise,” the authors wrote. For instance, strategies that are applied to ME/CFS patients have shown effectiveness with long COVID patients experiencing similar symptoms. Inconsistent testing for COVID-19 is a problem in terms of diagnosing long COVID, authors noted, adding that some long COVID clinics require a record of a PCR test for admission. “Although research into long COVID has been expansive and has accelerated, the existing research is not enough to improve outcomes for people with long COVID,” the authors stated.

Source: CNN January 18, 2023 20:10 UTC