Many people recover from Covid-19, flu, or glandular fever but develop lasting health problems. They feel tired, forgetful, dizzy, sore, and have gut issues. Exercise often makes these symptoms worse. This is known as post-exertional malaise.
These symptoms match ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome). The WHO and US CDC both recognise ME/CFS as a brain disorder. The illness has existed for years, but Covid-19 made it more common. Nearly half of long-Covid patients now meet ME/CFS criteria. Since 2020, over 400 million people have developed long-Covid.
Researchers still don’t fully understand these conditions. But new studies suggest damage in blood vessel lining may be the cause. These cells, called endothelial cells, control blood flow, clotting, and inflammation.
Some viruses damage these cells. The cells stop working properly and enter a state called senescence. In this state, they stay alive but behave abnormally. They release harmful signals that confuse the immune system. They also trigger tiny blood clots and block oxygen flow. Muscles and organs then receive less oxygen, causing fatigue and crashes after activity.
In the brain, low blood flow leads to fog and dizziness. In the gut, the damaged cells let bacteria leak into the blood. This causes more inflammation.
Healthy immune systems clear these damaged cells. But in ME/CFS and long-Covid, the immune system fails. The zombie-like cells stay in the body and make symptoms worse.
Researchers now test patient blood on healthy cells. They want to see if it causes senescence. They are also creating tools to detect ageing cells inside the body. Finding these cells could lead to new treatments. Targeting them may help patients heal and live better.
Also read: Brazil boots out Kenya in phygital football
