Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What Increases Your Risk

People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are generally 25 to 45 years of age. Women are more likely to have CFS.

CFS is rare in children. It may occur in teenagers, especially young teenage girls. Unlike adults, teenagers are more likely to develop CFS after having an illness such as mononucleosis or flu.

Various studies report that between 1 and 5 people per 1,000 in the United States may have CFS—enough to call it a major public health problem.1


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Author: Monica Rhodes Last Updated: April 28, 2009
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology

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Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
Arrow PointerWhat Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
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