Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) The Yuppie Flu?

Not so long ago Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CfS)These people constantly wake up in the morning
was described as the "yuppie flu". It was the typefeeling un-refreshed. This feeling will not improve
of illness that only the rich and famous couldsimply by forging on into the shower or gym,
afford to have. Today, it is estimated that morekeeping busy, or having an extra cup of coffee.
than 800,000 individuals suffer from chronicThe tiredness of someone with CFS may also
fatigue syndrome. According to the Center forbring with it cognitive issues. Individuals suffering
Disease Control, well over 50% of thesewith CFS report significant problems with focusing
individuals are women. While lung cancer, HIV,on tasks. They may also experience difficulties
multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus frequently grabwith short-term memory; and other impairments.
the spotlight as prevalent among women, CFS isAnother factor individuals with CFS have in
a much more common than all of them.common is the way they recover from exertion.
Unfortunately, less than 10 percent of people withMost people will recover from performing a
CFS have been properly diagnosed, and thereforefunction within a predictable amount of time. That
are not receiving adequate care. Chronic fatiguerecovery also tends to be in a positive direction.
syndrome is a form of fatigue that has noAn individual with CFS, on the other hand, will find
apparent explanation, but appears to have a setthey actual become more tired, and their other
of symptoms or factors that are in commonsymptoms will get worse. This tends to be most
from person to person. A diagnosis of CFS willnoticeable during the first 24 hour period after the
only be made when no other illness or healthexertion. This is referred to as "post-exertional
condition can be found as the cause of themalaise".
extreme tiredness.Individuals with CFS often experience flu-like
At this stage, doctors and scientists do not knowsymptoms and other health issues. These
the exact cause of CFS. What we do know issymptoms do not improve within a few days or
that it is an illness, or perhaps collection of illnessesweeks. Rather, the general feeling of illness lingers.
defined by both "profound as well as prolongedWhile the person with CFS does not carry HIV,
exhaustion". Studies have shown that chronicthey may still find themselves with a
fatigue syndrome is as prevalent among Hispanicscompromised immune system, tender lymph
and African Americans as it is among those whonodes, and sore throat.
are white. It has not been proven conclusively,Headaches also appear to be another symptom
but it is believed that CFS may run in families,of CFS. These tend to be more severe than
hence a possible genetic predisposition. On theheadaches from the past, or they have a
other hand, it does not appear to be contagious indifferent pattern altogether. Pain that occurs in
the way that the common cold is.joints that is not accompanied by redness or
Individuals with chronic fatigue syndromeswelling, and muscle pain, in conjunction with other
experience a number of common symptoms orsymptoms may also indicate the presence of
factors. If a person experiences four or more ofCFS.
the following symptoms then a diagnosis of CFSBecause the origin and exact cause of CFS are
is generally made.unknown, it tends to only be diagnosed as such
The most common symptom is prolonged fatigueafter all other types of health conditions are ruled
that lasts for six months or more. While mostout. While women appear to outnumber men in
people feel tired from time to time, and mayhaving this illness, CFS is still an "equal opportunity"
need to "sleep in" on occasion, people sufferingdisease. It affects people all across the globe
from CFS require much more sleep and rest.regardless of ethnic or racial group.