Most Popular Symptoms That Overlap Between CFS and Long COVID

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Long COVID are both complex conditions that cause long-term symptoms, often making it difficult for those affected to resume normal daily activities. Interestingly, many symptoms of Long COVID overlap with those seen in CFS, which is why people with Long COVID may find themselves facing the same challenges as those living with CFS.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the most common overlapping symptoms between CFS and Long COVID, explore why these conditions may be linked, and discuss ways to manage these shared symptoms.

1. Fatigue and Exhaustion

The hallmark symptom of both CFS and Long COVID is persistent, debilitating fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. In both conditions, this extreme tiredness is not just typical tiredness—it’s a form of exhaustion that can prevent people from completing even basic tasks. The fatigue experienced in CFS and Long COVID can be profound, often lasting for months or even longer, and can severely limit daily activities.

💡 Try This:

• Pacing is key. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and take frequent breaks.
• Focus on energy management, tracking your symptoms and energy levels.
• Work with a healthcare provider to explore options for fatigue management.

Video to Watch: Learn more about how to manage fatigue and energy levels in CFS and Long COVID in this video on pacing and energy conservation.

2. Brain Fog and Cognitive Difficulties

Brain fog is another shared symptom that significantly impacts quality of life in both conditions. People with CFS and Long COVID often experience difficulty with concentration, memory, and clarity of thought. This can make work, social activities, and even daily tasks like cooking or cleaning much harder. The mental fatigue and cognitive difficulties may vary in intensity but are often persistent.

💡 Try This:

• Break tasks into smaller steps and avoid multitasking.
• Give yourself time for mental rest by incorporating breaks and calming activities like meditation or reading.
• Create a structured routine to help manage cognitive demands.

Video to Watch: This video on brain fog management provides strategies to help manage mental fatigue and cognitive issues.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Both CFS and Long COVID often come with issues related to sleep. These may include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or feeling unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep. In CFS, this is known as non-restorative sleep, and it can leave you feeling tired even after hours of rest. For Long COVID, poor sleep quality is also common, with some individuals experiencing insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.

💡 Try This:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
• Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to relax.
• Consider mindfulness or relaxation exercises to help you unwind before bed.

Video to Watch: This video on improving sleep hygiene for chronic illness can help you restore better rest habits.

4. Muscle and Joint Pain

Both CFS and Long COVID can cause muscle pain, joint pain, and muscle weakness. This may include tenderness, soreness, or inflammation in the muscles and joints, even without heavy physical activity. For many, the pain can feel like a chronic ache that doesn’t resolve with rest, and may worsen with exertion or certain movements.

💡 Try This:

• Gentle stretching and yoga can help relieve tension and stiffness.
• Practice pacing to avoid over-exerting your muscles, which can worsen pain.
• Consider using heat or cold therapy for localized pain relief.

Video to Watch: For pain relief techniques, check out this video on managing muscle and joint pain.

5. Shortness of Breath and Chest Tightness

Another symptom that overlaps between CFS and Long COVID is shortness of breath. Many people with CFS report feeling winded or out of breath even after light activities. Similarly, Long COVID often presents with ongoing respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chest tightness, and difficulty catching your breath after exertion. These symptoms can be troubling and add to the overall feeling of exhaustion.

💡 Try This:

• Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and help regulate your breath.
• Avoid activities that strain your respiratory system and take plenty of rest breaks.
• If symptoms worsen, seek medical advice to explore pulmonary or heart assessments.

Video to Watch: This video on managing breathlessness can guide you through gentle techniques for respiratory support.

Final Thoughts

The overlap between CFS and Long COVID is significant, and many individuals with these conditions face similar challenges. By understanding these shared symptoms and implementing strategies for managing them—like pacing, mindful movement, and prioritizing rest—you can improve your quality of life and reduce symptom severity.