Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called post viral fatigue syndrome, is a condition where there is profound exhaustion often associated with muscle pain after the most minor of physical tasks. This is commonly caused by viral infections, particularly glandular fever and influenza A, and it may also occur following infection with certain entero-viruses. In many cases however it comes on insidiously, and tests for previous viral infection - and any other disorder causing exhaustion - are negative (which doesn’t mean there isn’t a cause, it means there isn’t a test). In many the enforced inactivity and exhaustion, together with the pain, induce reactive depression which can only exacerbate the symptoms. The aims of treatment are to maintain the strength of unused muscles (physiotherapists are of great assistance) and then to adopt a positive attitude and gradually attempt to increase activity. Painkillers may help the muscular aches and allow extra exercise. Debilitating anxiety and depression will respond to appropriate treatment, as they do when they occur or with any other chronic illness.
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