All questions about ME/CFS and long COVID

Why not exercise? Isn't exercise good for everyone?

Not with ME/CFS. Graded exercise therapy, which gradually increases activity, is not recommended, and vigorous unsupervised exercise may make symptoms worse.

The full answer, with the sources, is in the guide.

Sources

• NHS: ME/CFS, treatment
• ME Association: What are ME/CFS and long COVID? (summarises the NICE 2021 guideline)
• NHS: Long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID)

Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09