What is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disease that causes you to become so fatigued (tired) that you cannot perform normal daily tasks. The main symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is chronic fatigue that lasts more than 6 months. Physical or mental activity often make the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome worse, and rest usually doesn't improve the symptoms.

Other symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may include headaches, sore throat, tender or painful areas in your neck or armpits, unexplained muscle soreness, pain that moves from joint to joint without swelling or redness, loss of memory or concentration, trouble sleeping and extreme tiredness after exercising that lasts more than 24 hours.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may occur after an illness such as a cold or it can start during or shortly after a period of high stress. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can also come on slowly without any clear starting point or any obvious cause.