ME/CFS & Pediatric Long COVID

Secondary Conditions Associated with Long COVID — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Children who experience Long COVID may sometimes develop new health issues, including conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). These are not just lingering symptoms of the virus, but distinct diagnoses that emerge after the body has been under prolonged stress or damage from the infection.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Explained

ME/CFS is a complex, debilitating neuroimmune condition characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), and cognitive and autonomic dysfunction. ME/CFS has long affected both adults and children, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp increase in ME/CFS-like symptoms has been observed in children recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ME/CFS is a serious, long-term illness that can happen after an infection like COVID-19. It’s not just being tired—it’s a medical condition where the body’s energy systems don’t work the way they should.

Kids and teens with ME/CFS often feel completely worn out, even after rest. Simple things like walking to the bathroom, sitting through a class, or trying to do homework can feel overwhelming or impossible.

One of the most frustrating parts of ME/CFS is something called post-exertional malaise (PEM)—when doing even a small amount of physical or mental activity causes a major crash in symptoms, sometimes lasting days. These children often struggle with brain fog, body pain, sleep problems, and dizziness. On the outside, they may look “fine,” but on the inside, their body is constantly struggling to keep up.

ME/CFS is not laziness, weakness, or something they can just push through. It’s a medical condition involving the immune system, the nervous system, and how the body creates and uses energy. It’s real—and your child is not imagining it.

Common Symptoms of ME/CFS in Pediatric Long COVID

• Severe fatigue not improved by rest
• Post-exertional malaise (PEM): worsening of symptoms after physical or mental effort
• Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”)
• Headaches and migraines
• Sleep disturbances (unrefreshing sleep, insomnia)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing)
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea or digestive symptoms
• Difficulty concentrating in school or returning to normal activities
• Autonomic dysfunction (including POTS)
• Temperature dysregulation (feeling too hot or too cold)
• Emotional lability or mood changes (often due to neurological fatigue)

Our Approach to Healing Long Covid:

Treating the Body as a Whole

When new diagnoses appear after Long COVID, they’re often different expressions of the same underlying disruption rather than isolated problems. Stepping back from label-chasing and refocusing on restoring balance and function helps guide calmer, clearer decisions for your family. 

The body must be treated as a whole to experience true healing from within. Unlike the mechanistic approach (that which most medical doctors follow today), the body is not like an engine. You cannot just treat different parts, forgetting that every part is connected to every other part. The body is incredibly intelligent, far above our understanding as human beings.

Your body is amazing and capable of healing!