COVID-19 Linked to Higher Risk of Glandular Fever, Chronic Fatigue and Potential Neurological Concerns

Modern research suggests that even mild COVID-19 infections may weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) and potentially contributing to chronic fatigue. A large-scale study conducted in Sweden also raises concerns about a possible long-term link between COVID-19 and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).

Study Details: Tracking Millions Across Sweden

Researchers at Örebro University followed nearly 10 million individuals in Sweden, aged 3 to 100, from 2020 to 2022.¹ Participants were grouped based on their COVID-19 status: those who never contracted the virus, those with mild infections, and those requiring hospitalization. The study revealed a clear association between COVID-19 infection and subsequent glandular fever.

Weakened Immunity and Glandular Fever Risk

The findings indicate that even individuals who experienced mild COVID-19 symptoms exhibited a reduced immune response and a heightened risk of developing glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).² Approximately nine out of ten people in Sweden carry the Epstein-Barr virus, but most do not experience significant symptoms.¹

“We were surprised that even those who did not have serious symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19 suffer from a reduced immune system and a higher risk of, for example, glandular fever,” says Snieguole Vingeliene, researcher in medicine and epidemiology at Örebro University.¹

Potential Link to Chronic Fatigue

The research also suggests that COVID-19 may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue. Vingeliene notes that the coronavirus “may also further increase the risk of chronic fatigue.”¹

Neurological Concerns: Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19

There is a known connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.¹ While the Swedish study did not establish a direct link between COVID-19 and MS, researchers are concerned about a potential long-term increase in MS diagnoses following the pandemic.

Separate research from Örebro University and Örebro University Hospital showed a raised risk of MS among people who had severe COVID-19.⁴ Approximately 26 out of 100,000 patients with serious COVID-19 subsequently developed MS, more than double the risk compared to those without a COVID-19 diagnosis.⁴

Scott Montgomery, professor in clinical epidemiology, emphasizes that while the risk is elevated, MS remains a rare disease.⁴ He suggests that the full extent of any link between COVID-19 and MS may not be clear for several years, as it can take 10 to 20 years for MS to develop after exposure to potential triggers.⁴

Looking Ahead

Researchers emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for conditions like MS. While the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19 will not develop these complications, those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.⁴ Continued monitoring and research are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the immune system and the potential for increased risk of various illnesses.