Comparing ME/CFS following mononucleosis with Long COVID

ObjectivesLong COVID following SARS-CoV-2 and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) following infectious mononucleosis (IM) are examples of post-infectious chronic illnesses. Behavioral and pathophysiological underpinnings of both ME/CFS following IM and Long COVID are not well understood.MethodsWe studied ME/CFS development following IM in a diverse group of college students who were enrolled before the onset of IM. We categorized those meeting either moderate or severe ME/CFS criteria. We subsequently recruited a matched sample of those infected with SARS-CoV-2, some of whom recovered and others of whom developed Long COVID. We compared and contrasted ME/CFS and Long COVID following IM and SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of somatic symptoms, coping strategies, depression and anxiety symptoms, and functional status.ResultsIn general, the Long COVID group's symptom burden was less than that of the Severe ME/CFS group but more than that of the Moderate ME/CFS group.DiscussionThese findings may allow investigators a better understanding of these post-viral illness pathophysiologies.