Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term health condition that affects different body systems.
One of the main symptoms is feeling much worse after physical activity, thinking hard, or dealing with strong emotions. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Symptoms may get worse straight away or a few days later and can take a long time to improve.
People with ME/CFS may also:
- Feel extreme tiredness, even after resting
- Have trouble sleeping
- Find it hard to think clearly, remember things, or concentrate (sometimes called brain fog)
- Experience pain in different parts of the body
Long Covid is when symptoms continue or develop after a Covid-19 infection and last for several weeks or months.
People with Long Covid may have breathing problems, but they can also have symptoms that are like ME/CFS. These include extreme tiredness, feeling worse after activity, and problems with memory and concentration.
Everyone’s experience is different. Symptoms can change from day to day and may get better or worse without much warning. These conditions can have a big impact on daily life, work, school, and relationships.
You can learn more about ME/CFS and Long Covid using the trusted resources below, or the menu on the right (desktop/laptop) or bottom (mobile) of this page.