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We’re starting to understand how viruses trigger chronic conditions

Widespread cases of long covid have shone a spotlight on the role viral infections play in previously neglected conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

By Michael Marshall

1 March 2023

A protest outside the White House, Washington DC, in September 2022 urging government action for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis, long covid and other infection-associated chronic conditions

A protest outside the White House, Washington D.C., in September 2022 urging government action for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis, long covid and other infection-associated chronic conditions

Bryan Olin Dozier/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Millions of people worldwide may have experienced long covid, with some having symptoms that have lingered for several years. However, while the number of cases is exceptional, the syndrome itself is not.

Long covid is one of many chronic conditions that can be triggered, at least in part, by infections, mostly by viruses. A surge of interest in long covid has helped us gain …

Article amended on 1 March 2023

This article has been changed to correctly define ME.

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