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Chronic Fatigue
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a syndrome characterized by unexplained fatigue and sleep problems.
According to the Journal of Translational Medicine, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects 12 million people worldwide. Prevalently, the syndrome is 1.5 -2 folds higher in females than in males (Lim et al., 2020). Key differences correlates to the hormonal and imunologic factors that affect females starting from puberty and ending in menopause (Lim et al., 2020). More ofthen than not, middle class population living in urban areas are more sussceptible to CFS than other individuals not living in such environments (Lim et al., 2020).
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown and rather complex than straightforward. Health Genetic Center researchers believe it is triggered by a combination of factors and primarily infectious risks.
Some people develop CFS after infections like:
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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
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Ross River Virus
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Retrovirus
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Mycoplasma spp
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Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B)
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Enteroviruses
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COVID-19 (in some cases, part of long COVID)
Other factors that enhance the CFS developemt are: hormonal imbalances and cortisol prevalence; mitochondrial dysfunction; genetics; physical or emotional stress and others. Since some CFS factors are more accessible to get checked than the others, it is crucial for the patient to work with his medical doctor and rule out as many predispositional CFS factors as possible. Health Genetic Center Chronic Fatigue Infectious Panel assist medical professionals in ruling out infectious predispositions related to CFS.
Do I Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a diagnosis of CFS typically requires:
- Severe fatigue that is:
New (not lifelong)
Persistent or relapsing
Not substantially alleviated by rest
Significantly reduces daily activity levels for at least 6 months
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM): A worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion that lasts more than 24 hours.
- Unrefreshing sleep: Waking up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep.
Additionally, at least one of the following symptoms should be present:
- Cognitive impairment: Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering (often referred to as "brain fog").
- Orthostatic intolerance: Dizziness or fainting when standing up, which may include conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Furthermore, feel free to complete the Solve M.E. quiz on CFS Symptoms Checklist
Importnat Note:
CFS is a disorder with universal and subjective symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to contact your medical prfessional for a diagnosis and a sustainable medical action plan. While awaiting for your appointment, make a note of your symptom changes, severity, paterns and potential triggers. Do not forget that CFS is a violent disorder, affecting more and more population worldwide. For additional resourceson on CFS diagnostics, contact Health Genetic Center.