Thomas, M (2022) 'The fatigue-related symptoms post-acute SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary comparative study.' International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (18). e11662.
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Abstract
A sizeable sub-group of individuals continue to experience persistent debilitating symptoms post-acute SARS-CoV-2. Although these can vary from person to person, fatigue appears to be the most common symptom. Post-viral fatigue has been documented in conditions such as influenza, infectious mononucleosis and more recently chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The current study uses measures that successfully describe the fatigue-related symptoms associated with CFS to investigate the fatigue experienced post-acute SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-six volunteers were recruited from Long COVID support groups active on social media. Data were collected anonymously using an online survey platform. These data were compared to pre-pandemic data from non-fatigued and CFS groups. The post-acute SARS-CoV-2 volunteers reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and cognitive difficulties than the non-fatigued controls. They also report more individual symptoms (such as lack of concentration) and problems with sleep quality. There was a similarity between the post-acute SARS-CoV-2 volunteers and the CFS group in terms of levels of depression, perceived stress, emotional distress and cognitive difficulties. Although this was a small-scale study, it demonstrates the range of symptoms experienced post-acute SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the similarities between this group and CFS suggests the need for further research into the mechanisms at play here, the need to identify those at risk of long-term symptoms and the development of possible interventions.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Keywords: | post-acute SARS-CoV-2, fatigue-related symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, non-fatigued controls |
| Divisions: | School of Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Sep 2022 08:23 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Sep 2022 08:23 |
| ISSN: | 1661-7827 |
| URI / Page ID: | https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/14972 |
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