Occurrence of Chronic Fatigue Syndome

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as half a million Americans have a CFS-like condition. In the early 1980s it was first called the "yuppie flu" because mostly well-educated women with high incomes in their 30s and 40s sought help for CFS-like symptoms. It is now known that this illness affects people of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and economic situations. And, it isn't just an American illness - people all over the world are affected by chronic fatigue syndome.

More women than men are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndome. But, it isn't known for sure that this illness affects women more than men. Women may be more likely than men to talk to their doctors about symptoms like exhaustion and pain.