12/05/2025
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS) is an important and serious illness that we need to know about.
May 12 is observed each year as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS) International Awareness Day, supported by various organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS) is a specific, serious, multisystem disease with a particular clinical picture that includes chronic and disabling fatigue along with other symptoms.
Below are some of the reasons why ME/ CFS is an important and serious illness that we need to know about.
It is NOT a rare condition: To get an approximate idea, systematic studies have found that about 0.5 to 1% of the population suffers from properly diagnosed ME/ CFS. So, obviously, this is not a rare condition.
But, it usually goes undiagnosed: It is estimated that up to 90% of persons with ME/ CFS have not been specifically diagnosed with this condition.
It has serious consequences
1. ME/ CFS makes even doing “simple” day-to-day things difficult and exhausting for these patients, for example, cooking a meal, taking a shower, or getting dressed.
2. At least one-quarter of these patients may be housebound or even limited to their beds at some point in their illness.
3. In terms of work, both outside and inside the home, there is a great loss of productivity.
4. Persons with ME/ CFS tend to have high healthcare costs.
5. The symptoms can persist for several years. Tragically, most patients never regain their pre-disease level of health or functioning
But, unfortunately, most medical training programs don't include any teaching about ME/ CFS.
To read more about the basics of what ME/ CFS is, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed, please click on the link below:
Simpleandpractical.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-myalgic-encephalomyelitis
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