We observe Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month in May every year. It raises awareness about chronic fatigue syndrome (C.F.S.). Some symptoms of C.F.S are fatigue, memory loss, severe exhaustion, brain fog, disturbed sleep, headaches, sudden pain in the muscles or joints, and enlarged lymph nodes. This month informs people about the effects of C.F.S., and there are many ways to spread awareness. Prevention is always better than cure, so let this month be an opportunity for us all to start taking care of ourselves better.
History of Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as C.F.S., is a long-term illness that causes severe tiredness and can last six months or more. This illness is hard to diagnose, and the cause has not been successfully linked to any genetic predisposition. Many doctors and health professionals believe that C.F.S. depends on various factors working together as triggers. It is hard diagnosing the syndrome because there is no standard test to confirm if the patient has C.F.S. The diagnosis is made through a series of elimination procedures, and the treatment is also done by testing the symptoms first.
In 1750, Sir Richard Manningham first reported an illness with similar symptoms presented by C.F.S. This syndrome was known as Febricula, which meant “little fever.” Medical journals like the British Medical Journal and The Lancet claimed that this Febricula syndrome was something that even great figures from the past like Florence Nightingale and Charles Darwin suffered from. Their symptoms matched that of the C.F.S. we know today.
In 1988, the full medical term was used in medical journals to describe an illness that resembled the chronic active Epstein-Barr Virus infection or E.B.V. but was not caused due to the virus. In that year, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an outbreak of C.F.S. in patients, and since then, the new term was applied.
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month timeline
Sir Richard Manningham records the earliest report of an illness like C.F.S., and he calls it Febricula, which means “little fever.”
The outbreak occurs at Los Angeles County Hospital, where the hospital staff is mainly affected.
The term “chronic fatigue syndrome” becomes part of medical literature.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control launches a national educational campaign to spread awareness about the illness.
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month FAQs
Is C.F.S. a mental illness?
There is no evidence that C.F.S. is a mental health condition. There is increasing evidence that shows it is a biological disease.
Do vitamins help chronic fatigue syndrome?
Vitamin B12, protein and fatty acids like Omega 3 are likely to help with C.F.S. Therefore, a well-balanced diet is a good solution.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome called now?
C.F.S. is formally referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.).
How to Observe Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month
Read up
Visit your local library or the internet and read up about this illness. The more you know, the more you can help others and yourself.
Book an appointment
Take this month as an opportunity to go for that health checkup. Make routine health checkups a part of your life.
Post online
Share information about National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month with your followers on social media. Use relevant hashtags and direct your followers to reliable sources.
5 Facts About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
C.F.S. is often trivialized
C.F.S. is a serious illness and completely different from being lazy.
Many don’t know they have C.F.S.
Around 84% to 91% of people with C.F.S. symptoms have not been diagnosed yet.
Gender can influence the onset
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are four times more likely to get C.F.S. than men.
Many C.F.S. patients suffer from depression
Due to social exclusion and prolonged fatigue, many C.F.S. patients suffer from depression.
Lifestyle modifications help with C.F.S.
Although C.F.S. has no cure, changing your lifestyle like sleeping well and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the symptoms.
Why Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month is Important
It’s for a good cause
Observing this month helps us all band together for a good cause. It is an important initiative to ensure that people get the help they need.
It makes us more health-conscious
Nothing is more significant than our health and wellbeing. National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month makes us think about our health.
It helps spread awareness
Many people are still in the dark about C.F.S. This month allows people to learn something new and help others.
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
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