Article Written By: Stuff science columnist Dr Siouxsie Wiles.
Diagnosis of ME/CFS is challenging and generally requires people to have experienced symptoms for six months. With the pandemic in its third year, many people with long-Covid are now meeting the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS.
ME/CFS is characterised by a fluctuating spectrum of symptom severity. At the mild end, people may be able to work, just, but at the expense of other parts of their life. At the very severe end, people who are bed-bound and tube-fed.
There is currently no cure for ME/CFS. The stark reality is that most people with ME/CFS are unable to stay employed. According to a recent report, more than two-thirds of ME/CFS patients in Australia are living below the poverty line.