Higher Risk Of Long COVID In Women, Link Between SARS-CoV-2 And ME/CFS

Forbes - Jan 24th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Two new studies reveal that women are at a higher risk of developing long COVID compared to men, with a 31% increased likelihood noted in females over 40. These studies, published in JAMA Network Open and the Journal of General Internal Medicine, utilized data from the NIH-funded RECOVER initiative. The results highlight significant gender differences in post-COVID-19 health outcomes and raise questions about the underlying factors, including the potential role of immune changes during pregnancy.

In a related study, researchers found a marked increase in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) among those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The data showed a 4.5% incidence of ME/CFS in infected individuals compared to 0.6% in those uninfected. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could be added to the list of infections linked to ME/CFS, alongside other viruses like Epstein-Barr. The studies underscore the need for further research into diagnostics and treatments for long COVID and related conditions, as emphasized by Dr. Leora Horwitz from NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-supported and timely examination of recent studies on long COVID and its association with ME/CFS, highlighting significant public health concerns. It effectively communicates the main findings and includes expert commentary, lending credibility to the discussion. However, the piece could benefit from greater transparency regarding study methodologies and potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the inclusion of unrelated content detracts from the article's focus and clarity. Overall, the article is informative and relevant, with the potential to influence public discourse and drive further research into post-COVID conditions.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the findings of two studies on long COVID and ME/CFS, noting that women are at a higher risk for long COVID and that SARS-CoV-2 infections can lead to ME/CFS. The claim that women have a 31% higher risk of developing long COVID is consistent with the findings from the RECOVER study. Additionally, the assertion that ME/CFS cases increase following SARS-CoV-2 infection is supported by the reported data. However, the article could benefit from more precise language regarding the specific age groups affected by long COVID and the speculative nature of the pregnancy-related immunity hypothesis. Overall, the article presents a well-supported account of the studies' conclusions, although some claims could be detailed further.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the studies' findings, primarily focusing on the increased risks for women and the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, it lacks a broader perspective on how these findings fit into the larger body of research on long COVID and ME/CFS. The article could have included viewpoints from other experts in the field who might offer alternative interpretations or emphasize different aspects of the research. While the piece highlights the need for further research and potential treatment development, it does not explore counterarguments or differing opinions on the findings' implications.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, effectively communicating the main findings of the studies. The language is straightforward, making the information accessible to a general audience. However, the inclusion of unrelated headlines and topics, such as Samsung's product updates, disrupts the flow and can confuse readers. Additionally, some statements, like the speculation on pregnancy and immunity, could be more clearly labeled as hypotheses rather than conclusions. Overall, while the article is mostly well-structured, it could benefit from a more focused presentation of the key points.

8
Source quality

The article cites studies published in reputable journals such as JAMA Network Open and the Journal of General Internal Medicine, indicating high-quality sources. It also references the RECOVER initiative, funded by the NIH, which adds credibility to the findings. The inclusion of expert commentary from Dr. Leora Horwitz further strengthens the article's reliability. However, the article does not provide direct links to the studies, which would enhance transparency and allow readers to verify the information independently. Overall, the sources used are authoritative and suggest a reliable foundation for the claims made.

6
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of the studies' methods, mentioning the use of self-reported surveys and data from the RECOVER initiative. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies, such as the exact survey questions or how participants were selected and stratified. Furthermore, while the article includes expert opinions, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, which could affect the impartiality of the interpretations. Greater transparency regarding the study designs and potential biases would improve the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250116/COVID-19-dramatically-raises-the-risk-of-developing-MECFS.aspx
  2. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-finds-cases-me/cfs-increase-following-sars-cov-2
  3. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/covid-19-associated-with-higher-likelihood-of-developing-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
  4. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/studies-note-higher-risk-long-covid-women-differences-among-minority-kids
  5. https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/study-ties-covid-to-higher-risk-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/