May 12 was international awareness day for chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS affects up to 4 million American adults and teens. Fewer than 20 percent of patients have been diagnosed. CFS is characterized by severe exhaustion, extremely low energy levels, problems with memory and concentration, muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms and post-exertional malaise following minimal exercise. Research has found physiological abnormalities in the brain and several body systems, but the cause is still unknown. Treatment is limited to easing symptoms. The public generally does not understand the seriousness of this illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with CFS can be as disabled as those battling multiple sclerosis, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and those suffering with late-stage AIDS. The annual cost to our economy is as much as $25 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Since physicians frequently lack knowledge about how to diagnose CFS, many patients do not receive appropriate care. Excellent information on CFS is available at www.cfids.org.

Faith Wong

Ogden