ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia & Long COVID

Recognising the Symptoms

Fatigue

• Sleep does not restore energy
• Exhaustion after minimal effort
• Boom and bust energy cycles

Cognitive Difficulties (“Brain Fog”)

• Mental fuzziness or haziness
• Short-term memory problems
• Difficulty focusing or reading

Sleep Disturbances

• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Vivid or unsettling dreams
• Fragmented or non-restorative sleep

Muscle & Joint Pain

  • Persistent pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and back

  • General muscle soreness or stiffness

  • Joint pain and swelling

Skin Issues

  • Flushed skin or redness

  • Dry, flaky skin

  • Frequent unexplained rashes

Chest & Breathing Symptoms

  • Tenderness or pain in the chest

  • Shortness of breath

  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

  • Lumpy or sensitive breast tissue

Mental Health Challenges

• Anxiety and depression
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks or heightened emotional sensitivity

Frequent Spots or Acne

  • Breakouts on the forehead, back, or chest

Female Hormonal Symptoms

  • Worsened symptoms during PMS or menstruation

Heightened Sensitivity

  • Overreaction to bright lights, noise, or strong smells

Nerve-Related Symptoms

  • Tingling or pins and needles

  • Numbness in hands, feet, or limbs

Ear, Nose & Throat

  • Recurring sinus infections or sore throats

  • Bad breath or oral thrush

  • Persistent dry mouth

Digestive & Gut Issues

  • Nausea

  • Bowel irregularities (IBS-like symptoms)

  • Food intolerances or unexplained allergies

  • Bladder issues

Other Common Symptoms

  • Dry eyes and dry mouth

  • Fluctuating body temperature, hot flushes or chills

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Excessive sweating without exertion