Nurse Patti's Blog
Could “Long Covid” Bring Greater Awareness to ME/CFS?
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- Last Updated: 20 July 2021 20 July 2021
By Patricia Purcell, M.Ed. BSN, RN
Fatigue is a common symptom following COVID-19 infection. However, persistent fatigue that goes on for weeks, or even months, combined with impaired daily physical and cognitive function (brain fog) has led many to believe that COVID-19 infection may be followed by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
ME/CFS can be triggered by COVID-19 in adolescents and young adults, much the same way it can be brought on by acute viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus). In a study done by the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, three adolescent and young adult patients who had confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 infections early on in the pandemic were referred for evaluation.
How Are Our Children Doing?
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- Last Updated: 05 October 2021 05 October 2021
By Patricia Purcell, M.Ed. BSN, RN
It has been just over one year since the closing of schools due to Covid 19. For many children, it has been a year of remote learning. As some children have returned to classrooms as early as September, others are just beginning to return to in-person learning this spring. Some will remain remote through the rest of the school year. The question is, how are our children doing?
Understanding Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in the School-aged child – Considerations for School Nurses
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- Last Updated: 30 May 2021 30 May 2021
By Patricia Purcell, M.ED, BSN, RN
As a school nurse of almost 30 years, I have encountered many of the notorious “frequent fliers,” those students with everything ranging from school anxiety or avoidance to those with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes and migraine headaches. There are the belly aches and mild headaches that are many times caused by hunger, constipation dehydration, test anxiety or other school worries; usually treated with something simple like drinking water, eating a snack, taking some deep breaths, some TLC and just waiting it out for a bit.
About Nurse Patti
Meet Nurse Patti!
Patti Purcell is a Registered Nurse with 30 years of nursing experience, including 26 as a school nurse. Patti has a passion for helping others to make sense of the many complicated aspects of health and medical terminology. We are delighted that she is bringing her experience to the Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association.
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