Getting a diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of ME/CFS or Long Covid can be an important step in understanding your symptoms and accessing appropriate support.

Currently, there is no single diagnostic test for ME/CFS or Long Covid. Healthcare professionals diagnose the condition by assessing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and ruling out other possible causes.

What to expect

Your GP or healthcare professional may:

  • Discuss your symptoms and how they affect daily life
  • Review your medical history
  • Arrange blood tests or other investigations to rule out other conditions
  • Monitor symptoms over time before confirming a diagnosis

Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns, triggers and fluctuations, and may support discussions with healthcare professionals.

Key symptoms used in diagnosis

According to the NICE guideline for ME/CFS or Long Covid, a diagnosis is based on the presence of four core symptoms:

  • Debilitating fatigue that is not significantly relieved by rest
  • Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) – worsening symptoms after activity
  • Unrefreshing sleep or sleep disturbance
  • Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”), such as problems with memory, concentration or processing information

Symptoms must significantly affect day-to-day activities and not be explained by another condition.

Why early recognition matters

Earlier recognition can help people:

  • Access appropriate support and advice sooner
  • Develop symptom management strategies
  • Understand pacing and energy management
  • Make informed decisions about work, education and daily activities

Long covid and ME/CFS

Some people with Long Covid experience symptoms that overlap with ME/CFS, including fatigue, PEM, sleep difficulties and cognitive problems. If symptoms are persistent and affecting daily life, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare professional.

If you think you may have ME/CFS or Long Covid, seek medical advice and keep a record of your symptoms. A diagnosis can take time, but understanding your condition is an important step towards accessing the right support and managing your health.

Find out more:

Source: Information adapted from Action for ME’s Getting an ME Diagnosis resource and guidance referenced within the NICE Guideline for ME/CFS (2021).