CFS

This World Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day, Let's Fight Fatigue!!

Content Editor

May 11, 2018 • 2 min read

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a chronic illness characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for more than six months, it affects day to day living and isn’t relieved by sleep or rest.

CFS is also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
It can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition
Cause of this syndrome is also unknown

Diagnosis

Rule out other possible causes
Reviewing medical history and medications
Physical and mental status examination
No lab test, brain scan or blood test can diagnose CFS

Symptoms

Individuals have been fatigued for 6+months and have at least 4-5 of the following symptoms:

1.Extreme tiredness (fatigued)
2. Not feeling refreshed after sleeping
3.Forgetfulness
4.Muscle aches and muscle weakness
5.Joint pain
6.Mild fever
7. Headaches
8.Soar throat and lymph nodes
9.Irritability
10. intolerance to light, loud noise, alcohol and certain foods

Who Does Commonly Affects CFS

1.Age

Most commonly affects people in their 30’s and 40’s
Less common in children

2.Sex

CFS occurs 4 times more often in females as compared to males

3.Lifestyle

People who are overweight and inactive and more likely to develop CFS
Stressed person

4.Work Environment

Individuals with sedentary lifestyle
Stressed working environment
Odd working hours

Diseases That Are Often Confused With CFS Due To Similar Symptoms:

Fibromyalgia
Lyme disease
Gulf War Syndrome
Gluten intolerance
Post-polio syndrome
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Multiple chemical sensitivities

Treatment

Reduce Stress
Improve Sleeping Habits
Avoid Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
Exercise
Rest
Social Support

With a lot of working population employers must consider making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to employment practices and premises so less people are affected with CFS.

Alteration to working hours
Flexible working
Changing tasks or the pace of work to avoid exacerbating the condition
Allowing for reasonable time off
Changing the layout of the workspace (e.g. desk)
More frequent breaks

Now! Is the time to take your foot forwards towards a more healthy lifestyle and begin your #fightagainstfatique