Chronic fatigue syndrome affects 3.3 million Americans, the CDC estimates. Here's what to know about symptoms and treatment.

 

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3.3 million adults in the United States are living with chronic fatigue syndrome. This figure is the first nationally representative estimate of the condition's prevalence and is higher than what previous studies have suggested. The increase in numbers may be attributed to some patients with long COVID. The CDC report, which was released on Friday, is based on a survey conducted in 2021 and 2022, involving 57,000 U.S. adults. Participants were asked if a healthcare professional had ever diagnosed them with chronic fatigue syndrome and if they still experienced the condition. Approximately 1.3% of respondents answered affirmatively to both questions, equating to around 3.3 million U.S. adults. Dr. Elizabeth Unger, one of the co-authors of the report, emphasized that chronic fatigue syndrome is not a rare illness. The study also found that the condition is more prevalent in women than men and that rates are higher among individuals aged 50-69. However, chronic fatigue syndrome can affect people of all ages, sexes, and racial and ethnic groups. The report defines chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS, as a complex and multisystem illness characterized by fatigue that significantly limits a person's ability to engage in activities. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include extreme exhaustion following physical and mental exertion, unrefreshing sleep, memory difficulties, weight changes, emotional stress, headaches, and muscle pain. Diagnosing the condition can be challenging due to its overlapping symptoms with other syndromes. The CDC requires the presence of three primary symptoms for a diagnosis: six months or longer of fatigue accompanied by a significant decrease in the ability to perform usual activities, worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity (known as post-exertional malaise or PEM), and a "crash" or "collapse" that can leave individuals bedridden for days after such activity.