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⚕️ ME/CFS: The Misunderstood Illness Now Linked to Long Covid Over 400,000 people in England suffer from Myalgic Encepha...
28/07/2025

⚕️ ME/CFS: The Misunderstood Illness Now Linked to Long Covid

Over 400,000 people in England suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), according to a University of Edinburgh study. This figure is two-thirds higher than previously estimated. At the same time, these figures are being compounded by an increasing number of people being diagnosed with Long Covid, which has similar symptoms to ME.

Words like 'invisible' have been used to describe ME and Long Covid, which the UK ME Association has called a 'hidden crisis'. The society has announced its commitment to providing expert help to people living with ME and CFS and has added Long Covid, now known as Post-Covid Syndrome, to its portfolio. This is because of the similarities between Long Covid and ME/CFS/

What Is ME?

ME/CFS is a complex, chronic, and often disabling condition which affects multiple systems in the body. It is characterized by persistent, profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest and worsens with physical or mental exertion, cognitive dysfunction, sometimes called ‘brain fog’, sleep disturbances, muscle or joint pain, muscle or joint pain, sensitivity to light, noise or smells, and flu-like symptoms. Those living with ME might also experience orthostatic intolerance, meaning symptoms worsen when standing or sitting upright.

There’s a lot of overlap between Long Covid and ME/CFS, which is why researchers and doctors are paying close attention to their similarities. Long Covid refers to ongoing symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial Covid-19 infection, often lasting more than 12 weeks, and sometimes appearing even after a mild case.

According to medical sources, Long Covid symptoms can include persistent fatigue (severe exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest), post-exertional malaise (PEM), shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations, cognitive issues ("brain fog"), sleep disturbances, muscle aches or joint pain, loss of smell or taste, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety or depression, dizziness and difficulty standing (autonomic dysfunction), tingling or numbness in limbs, and menstrual cycle changes.

Why has CFS Been Underplayed in the Past?

For decades ME and CFS research has been underfunded and the condition has been stigmatised. One of the reasons for this is that those living with the condition lack visible signs of having anything wrong with them. They often look ‘normal’, making it hard for others to see or validate their suffering.
Symptoms also fluctuate. Patients can have ‘good days’ and ‘bad days.’ This variability can lead people (even doctors) to underestimate the condition’s severity.

Furthermore, historically, ME/CFS was wrongly believed to be psychological or stress-related. Though science has moved on, some outdated views persist among healthcare professionals.

Lack of diagnostic tests has further resulted in unclear ME/CFS diagnosis. There is no single test for ME/CFS. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and ruling out other illnesses, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delays.

Long Covid Prevalence Revives Interest in ME

Current news reports say that in spite of the higher-than-anticipated prevalence of ME, many of those living with the condition and with Long Covid feel invisible, as their symptoms and daily struggles living with the condition are often not considered. This is because on the outside they appear to be fine.

However, research into Long Covid is reviving an interest in ME/CFS because of the overlap in symptoms. ME and CFS may begin after a viral infection, just like Long Covid. Both conditions may involve lingering inflammation or an overactive immune response. They also both involve dysfunction of systems that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, etc., and some research suggests impaired energy production at the cellular level in both groups.

It is expected that treatments developed or explored for one condition may help the other.
The recognition of these overlapping conditions is also increasing awareness and validation for patients who were previously told “it’s all in your head.”
https://diagnosticvision.com/news/me-cfs-misunderstood-illness-long-covid

⚕️ Health Registries: Good Or Bad? Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal for the creation of a National Auti...
14/07/2025

⚕️ Health Registries: Good Or Bad?

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal for the creation of a National Autism Registry has featured across top news sites, ruffling feathers and raising concerns. The proposed registry will be used to gather Americans' private health data from various sources, including pharmacies, lab tests and wearable devices.

Human rights activists have stepped up to oppose the registry proposal, believing it could have negative consequences for the high population of individuals living with autism in the U.S.

Reasons For Concern

While the initiative aims to support research, it has raised concerns about data privacy and the potential stigmatization of individuals with autism. Here are some of the reasons for concern:

The registry would collect private health data from a wide range of sources, including pharmacies, lab results, wearables, and government records. Critics worry it could violate medical privacy protections, or open the door to surveillance and profiling.

It’s unclear how consent would be obtained from individuals or families affected by autism. If data is collected without consent, that could be seen as unethical or even unconstitutional.

A centralised list of people with autism might be misused, for example, by employers, insurers, or policymakers, leading to discrimination or stigmatisation. Disability rights groups warn it could ‘mark’ individuals for life based on a diagnosis.

Critics also question how the data would be used. Would it truly help improve research and care, or as they query, is it a political move masquerading as health policy? There’s skepticism over whether it’s scientifically sound or just a way to validate controversial views on autism and its causes.

Historical Parallels

Some have drawn parallels to past government registries, such as those used during WWII, warning that data collection without clear safeguards can be dangerous, especially for marginalised groups.

History has set a precedent explaining why many people are deeply uneasy about centralised health registries, especially when it involves sensitive data, like neurological or developmental conditions.

In N**i Germany, the Eugenics and Racial Hygiene Programmes pooled health records showing hereditary conditions, disabilities and mental illnesses. The N**i regime then used the medical and institutional records to identify people considered ‘unfit’ or ‘genetically impure.’

This led to the Aktion T4 program, which resulted in the forced sterilisation and mass murder of over 200 000 people with disabilities or mental illnesses. The atrocities showed the dangers of when centralised health data is weaponised by the state, especially under authoritarian rule.

Another dubious registry was the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in the U.S. From 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service tracked black men with syphilis without informing them of their condition or offering treatment. These men were part of a ‘registry’ but were used for unethical, long-term observation to study the disease’s effects.

It led to death, suffering, and deep mistrust in the black community toward health institutions. This incident shows how when registries are compiled without transparency, consent, or ethics, they can cause generational trauma and harm.

Towards Improved Understanding & Research

At the same time, many have spoken out in favour of the registry. Here are some of the positive reasons they give for the National Autism Registry. Kennedy Jr. has said the proposed registry will help identify patterns, causes, and correlations in autism rates.

It will also support research into potential environmental, genetic, and pharmaceutical factors. This, it will do through enabling more targeted studies by providing access to a large, centralised data pool.

Autism data in the U.S. is currently fragmented across schools, health systems, states, and private clinics. The registry aims to centralise information from healthcare providers, wearable devices, pharmacies, and labs. It will also enable better longitudinal tracking of individuals over time; and possibly even inform more personalised interventions and care strategies.

Proponents argue that a centralised registry could help predict and plan for special education; and therapeutic and social service needs. It will ensure governing bodies and authorities are allocating resources based on accurate data. It will also be used to identify gaps in care and services across different regions.

Autism rates have risen dramatically in recent decades. The registry is proposed as a way to get to the bottom of the reason for this increase.

A Contentious Issue

Still, in spite of the reasons given, critics continue to advocate that the registry will be pseudoscientific, rooted in anti-vaccine ideology.

Recent statistics gathered by the CDC (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention) show that one in 36 children in the United States are living with autism. This makes up roughly 2.3 percent of the population of American children. At the same time, 2.18 percent of adults in the U.S. are autistic. The condition also appears to be more prevalent in men than in women.

Even more shocking is the high incidence of unemployment in the United States in the population of adults living with autism. Around 75 percent of adults living with autism are either unemployed or 'underemployed', says the CDC statistics.
https://diagnosticvision.com/health-policy/health-registries-good-or-bad

⚕️ Weight-Loss Drugs Show ‘Rare but Serious Side Effects’ Becoming slim is no major feat if it is detrimental to one’s h...
23/06/2025

⚕️ Weight-Loss Drugs Show ‘Rare but Serious Side Effects’

Becoming slim is no major feat if it is detrimental to one’s health. An increasing number of people are turning to weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight, with many hailing them as ‘miracle’ drugs. However, recent reports now say that the drugs might have some rare but serious side effects, like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).

As a result, the FDA has issued an updated advisory urging healthcare providers to monitor symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Patients have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of Ozempic and Wegovy. In their legal claims they allege severe side effects after using the drugs, among these gastroparesis and intestinal blockages. They say they were not adequately warned about the potential risks. The FDA is currently investigating.

Common side effects of both medications include nausea​, vomiting​, diarrhea​, constipation​ and abdominal pain​. Serious but rare side effects may involve pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and potential thyroid tumours.

Practicing Safe Drug Usage

The FDA has expressed further concerns related to counterfeit products, compounded versions, and potential side effects.

Counterfeit Ozempic injections circulating in the U.S. drug supply have been identified. These fake products may contain incorrect ingredients, improper dosages, or contaminated substances, posing significant health risks.
Healthcare providers and consumers are advised to verify the authenticity of their medications and report any suspicious products to the FDA. ​

Due to previous shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy, some pharmacies also began compounding semaglutide. The FDA has cautioned against the use of these compounded versions, especially those made with salt forms of semaglutide, as they have not undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. The agency emphasises that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and may pose health risks.

The FDA has issued the following precautions to ensure safe usage of Ozempic and Wegovy. First, they have advised obtaining these drugs from reputable pharmacies. Patients are asked to remain wary of buying from online sources at significantly discounted prices. Often, these are compounded or counterfeit products.

People experiencing side-effects which they are concerned about upon using the medication are urged to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. All unexpected and concerning side-effects should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch programme. They will be able to assist with ongoing safety monitoring.​

Research Into The Drugs Continues

An interesting research finding by Prime Therapeutics and Magellan Rx Management (MRx) in 2024 showed that three of four patients had stopped taking Ozempic or Wegovy two years after being prescribed the blockbuster drugs for weight loss.

This research investigated 3 364 people with insurance plans that covered the GLP-1 drugs. All of the patients had been diagnosed with obesity and received new prescriptions between January and December 2021. Patients using the drugs for type 2 diabetes were excluded.

The report did not look at why the patients stopped using the drugs, but as an article on Drugs.com states: ‘It does offer a sobering view of the real-world experiences of people taking the drugs.’

“Given the drugs’ newness and skyrocketing popularity, it is important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems, leaving no stone unturned, to understand what they do and what they don’t do,” said the study’s senior author, Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the WashU Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, in an article in Scitechdaily.com.
https://diagnosticvision.com/fitness/weight-loss-drugs-serious-side-effects

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