ME/CFS, FM, MCS and Long COVID

ME

My = muscle

algic = pain

Encephalo = brain

myel = spinal cord

itis = inflammation

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine and cardiac systems. ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10 G93.3) since 1969.

The blue ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for ME/CFS awareness.

More info:
Emerge Australia 

and Biobank Registry

 

 

FM

Fibro = fibrous tissue (ligaments and tendons)

myo = muscle

algia = pain

Fibromyalgia, also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is a condition with symptoms that include widespread, pervasive and chronic pain and tenderness in the body, and muscle stiffness, often accompanied by fatigue (hence a relationship with ME/CFS), cognitive disturbance/difficulties and emotional distress. Like ME/CFS, symptoms of FM can vary from mild to severe.

The purple ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for FM awareness.

More info:

Emerge Australia

and Arthritis Australia

 

 

MCS

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity causes symptoms in sufferers from exposure to low levels of chemicals – levels that do not cause symptoms in most people. MCS ranges in severity from mild to extreme. Symptoms include fatigue, asthma, sore throat and eyes, nausea, headaches, confusion, anxiety, pain, rashes and palpitations.

The green ribbon and butterfly are the symbols for MCS awareness.

More info: 

AESSRA (Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association Inc.)

 

 

Long COVID
Most people who get sick with COVID-19 recover within two to six weeks, but some have ongoing symptoms for weeks or months, known as post-or Long COVID. 
Long COVID affects each patient differently. Some have ongoing symptoms from organ damage, others will meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS or a related condition.

More info:
Emerge Australia

and Long COVID Registry

 

Long COVID is also known as Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), Post-acute Sequelae of COVD-19 (PASC), Long Haul COVID, or Long-term COVID-19.

These terms describe a collection of lingering symptoms devastating the lives of millions of COVID-19 survivors. These symptoms persist in an estimated 10–20% of COVID-19 patients, regardless of infection severity, even after the patient no longer tests positive for the virus or antibodies. While recovery times for COVID-19 vary from person to person, Long COVID generally refers to cases where symptoms continue to persist for 90 days or more.

Preliminary reports and data about Long COVID symptoms and patient experiences contain many similarities to other chronic illnesses known to be associated with viral triggers, such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), dysautonomia, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and more. Among patients with provider visits, 68% received a new diagnosis and 38% visited a new specialist who did not treat the patient in the year before their COVID-19 infection.

More info:
Long COVID Alliance