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What is ME/CFS?

Another post-viral or post-infectious illness is ME/CFS. Many people would recognize the name “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” The original name is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or ME. Today it is known as ME/CFS.

ME/CFS is a serious, debilitating, chronic, multi-system illness that may develop after an infection or other event, such as exposure to toxins, or a physical or stressful trauma. It results in a major impact on the person’s ability to function.

One million to 2.5 million people in the U.S. may have ME/CFS, although many are not officially diagnosed. About 28,000 – 40,000 people in Massachusetts may have ME/CFS.

Where to find more information:

U.S. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition
https://mecfscliniciancoalition.org/about-mecfs/

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html