Abstract
We are writing to highlight the potential for a post-viral syndrome to
manifest following COVID-19 infection as previously reported following
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infection, also a coronavirus.
After the acute SARS episode some patients, many of whom were healthcare
workers went on to develop a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - like illness which nearly 20 months on
prevented them returning to work. We propose that once an acute COVID-19
infection has been overcome, a subgroup of remitted patients are likely
to experience long-term adverse effects resembling CFS/ME symptomatology
such as persistent fatigue, diffuse myalgia, depressive symptoms, and
non-restorative sleep. In a contracted future economy, managing likely
Post COVID-19 syndrome cases, in addition to existing CFS/ME cases will
put additional burden on our already hard pressed healthcare system. We
suggest that priority is given to exploration of pragmatic relatively
low cost techniques to treat post-viral fatigue, to alleviate symptoms
and improve quality of life for those affected by the longer term
sequelae of COVID-19.