Scientific understandings of diseases have never been static but always subject to change and revision. Often, big scientific leaps take place in times of crisis. My prediction is that the wave of #LongCovid-19 will fundamentally change how we view post-viral conditions. 1/
I believe that the “cognitive era” of post-viral conditions will find its end rather soon. That is not to say that CBT won’t have its place in the treatment of patients. It can be crucial in helping them cope with their illness. But it cannot solve its physical causes. 2/
Evidence for the biological basis of diseases such as #MECFS is mounting and promising early developments of diagnostic blood tests have been recently published in world-leading journals such as PNAS. pnas.org/content/116/21… 3/
As always, some, and especially those most invested in the old-fashioned approach, will resist these developments. But others will adapt. Indeed, for ambitious researchers, this is a scientifically exciting area were large discoveries still can be made. 4/
So, why do I write this tweet today? I write it to give hope to all those suffering from chronic debilitating illnesses that have been ignored for too long. I believe that the coming years will bring unprecedented biomedical advances and hopefully effective treatment for many. 5/
