What is ME/ CFS?

ME/ CFS is a chronic illness, affecting the immune, hormone and central nervous systems. The main symptoms are severe and overwhelming fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, flu-like feelings (e.g. sore throat, enlarged glands and joint pains), sleep and mood disturbance. Many other symptoms can occur. Symptoms fluctuate from day to day and the patient experiences periods of relapse and partial recovery.

How does ME/ CFS typically start?

Some form of infection (e.g.flu, glandular fever, hepatitis, tonsillitis) is the most usual trigger. Less common triggers include vaccinations (e.g. Hepatitis B), pesticides (e.g. organophosphate sheep dip) and major stressful events.