# Fibromalgia & COVID-19 research **URL:** \ **Category:** Journal Articles and Reference Materials\ **Created:** [November 30, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromalgia-covid-19-research/13853 "2021-11-30T13:01:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JayCS](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithfibro.org/jaycs/32/9520_2.png) [@JayCS](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/u/JayCS)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2021, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/fibromalgia-covid-19-research/13853/1 "2021-11-30T13:01:14Z")
This study published Nov20 ([Europepmc-link](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/33200740) / [Physician’s Weekly-link](https://www.physiciansweekly.com/the-effect-of-novel-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-on-fibromyalgia-syndrome)) and then Jun21 ([Pubmed-link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33200740/) / [ClinexRheu-link](https://www.clinexprheumatol.org/abstract.asp?a=16454)) shows a considerable increase in FM-symptoms from CoV. whilst this “review” published Nov/Dec20 [Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Age of COVID-19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7661943/) plugs our needs & the effect of CoV on our “stressors”, mood, money & social life, after starting “First, this cohort is by no means exempt from SARS-CoV-2 infection, sharing the same concerns we all have living through these uncertain times.” In the light of this, the claim by the infamous Bruce Gillis that fibromites will be less likely to get CoV mentioned [here](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/hello-its-me-meagan/13700/12) appears pretty dangerous… I’d seen the Ben’s Friends News post [COVID 19 Current Research - The real scoop](https://forum.livingwithfibro.org/t/covid-19-current-research-the-real-scoop/12879/1), but it can’t be replied to, so for once I’ve started a new thread here. - Also it just links to [Articles relating to COVID 19 - #74 by FacebookPost - General - Mast Cell Disorder Support Network](https://www.livingwithmastcell.org/t/articles-relating-to-covid-19/448/74), which doesn’t have anything about fibromyalgia. - However the “ **mast cells** ” in the forum name (Mast Cell Disorder) are often mentioned in the thread - are yet another hypothesis about the cause of fibro… - so sort of _on topic_. - Also interestingly for me the link referred to mentions the [anti-viral properties of](https://www.livingwithmastcell.org/t/articles-relating-to-covid-19/448/7) of **quercetin** , which I am taking mainly for reducing lipids, but it also decreases blood pressure and improves _sleep & relaxation_. The latter also being _on topic_. (Altho I’m actually blaming GABA & NAC for my good sleep.) - Another link reports research that surgical masks are just as **effective** as FFP2/ **N95 masks** , despite everyone thinking differently… [N95 Masks vs. Surgical Masks: Which Is Better For COVID-19? – Smart Air](https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/n95-mask-surgical-covid-19/) which intrigues me… and is relevant for everyone nowadays, so: - - This meta-analysis from May20 confirms that for the flu: [Effectiveness of N95 respirators versus surgical masks against influenza: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32167245/) - - However this study [Update Alert 4: Masks for Prevention of Respiratory Virus Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2, in Health Care and Community Settings](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7774035/) mentions one which says N95 is _ **better** _ than surgical (“An N95 mask was associated with decreased risk versus a surgical mask”) - - This study [Comparison of Fit for Sealed and Loose-Fitting Surgical Masks and N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33458738/) implies that surgical masks are **often too loose fitting in comparison** , so shd be tested better (rather than sealing with adhesive) which sounds as if it’s not that easy… - - **and this review/meta-analysis [N95 respirator and surgical mask effectiveness against respiratory viral illnesses in the healthcare setting: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34746923/) definitely says "N95 respirator use was associated with fewer viral infectious episodes for healthcare workers compared with surgical masks.** The N95 respirator was most effective in reducing the risk of a viral infection in the hospital setting from the SARS-CoV 1 and 2 viruses compared to the other viruses included in this investigation. Methodologic quality, risk of biases, and small number of original studies indicate the necessity for further research to be performed, especially in front-line healthcare delivery settings."