Post viral fatigue syndrome?

Question

Just a few questions about M.E (post viral fatigue)

Can it run in the direct family?

What can cause it?

What age do people get it?

And what are the symptoms?

Thanks everyone sorry for all the questions!!

Answer 1

This is actually called chronic fatigue syndrome;

Can it run in the direct family? It's believed that a person’s genes may make them more susceptible, and that viral infection, stress, depression, or a major life event (for example bereavement, job loss) may act as triggers for CFS to develop in susceptible individuals.

What can cause it? Since it's not known what causes CFS, it's difficult to prevent. There's no evidence to support the view that CFS is a contagious disease and there's no precise identified cause.

It's believed that a person’s genes may make them more susceptible, and that viral infection, stress, depression, or a major life event (for example bereavement, job loss) may act as triggers for CFS to develop in susceptible individuals.

What age do people get it? CFS can affect people of any age. However, it's most common between the ages of 25 and 45. It's estimated that about 150,000 people in the UK have CFS, with women affected more often than men.

And what are the symptoms?

muscle and joint pain, but with no swelling

fatigue that lasts more than 24 hours after exercise or exertion at a level that you usually used to be able to manage without feeling tired

forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating

sleep disturbances

waking up feeling tired or unrested or having trouble getting to sleep

flu-like symptoms

Other symptoms that are sometimes present in CFS/ME include:

palpitations

sweating

feeling faint or problems with balance

painful glands in your neck or armpits

a sore throat

headaches

feeling sick

mood swings