The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on Friday revealing that approximately 3.3 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). This condition is characterized by severe exhaustion that is not alleviated by rest. The survey, conducted between 2021 and 2022, asked 57,000 American adults whether they had been diagnosed with CFS or ME by a healthcare professional and if they continue to struggle with the disease. The findings indicated that an estimated 1.3% of adults in the US are living with CFS, contradicting the perception that it is a rare illness.

One of the co-authors of the report, Elizabeth Unger from the CDC, emphasized that CFS is not limited to a specific demographic. It can affect anyone regardless of age, with the highest prevalence observed among individuals between 40 and 60 years old. Additionally, while previous studies suggested a significant discrepancy in CFS rates between women and men, this new research showed a smaller gap between the genders. The study also found little difference in CFS rates between white and Black individuals. Furthermore, the report debunked the misconception that CFS only affects the wealthy and privileged, as a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged people reported having the condition compared to more affluent individuals.

Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis are significant challenges when it comes to CFS. Since there is no blood test or scan available for diagnosis, many individuals may go undiagnosed. This potentially indicates that the actual prevalence of CFS might be higher than estimated. Dr. Brayden Yellman, a specialist at the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, explained that those who have access to healthcare and are more readily believed when they describe their symptoms tend to be diagnosed and treated more often.

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of CFS remains unknown. However, previous studies have suggested that it could be a prolonged overreaction of the body to an infection or a weakened immune system. The absence of a cure for CFS leaves patients with the challenge of managing their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments.

Chronic fatigue syndrome gained attention almost four decades ago when clusters of cases were reported in Incline Village, Nevada, and Lyndonville, New York. Some medical professionals dismissed it as psychosomatic and even referred to it as "yuppie flu." Unfortunately, some physicians still hold these opinions, which can hinder proper diagnosis and treatment. Hannah Powell, a 26-year-old woman from Utah, shared her experience of being undiagnosed for five years and being labeled a hypochondriac. Powell's story highlights the struggles faced by many individuals with CFS.

The CDC's report is the first nationally representative estimate of CFS prevalence in the US. While the reliance on patients' memories without verifying their diagnoses through medical records may lead to some overcounting, experts believe that only a fraction of CFS cases are actually diagnosed. This is due, in part, to the lack of approved drugs and treatment guidelines for the condition.

The tally of CFS cases likely includes individuals with long COVID, a condition characterized by chronic health problems following an acute COVID-19 infection. Some patients with long COVID experience symptoms similar to those of CFS, leading experts to believe that they may be the same illness. However, long COVID is more widely recognized and diagnosed more quickly than CFS.

Hannah Powell, the Utah woman who went undiagnosed for five years, shared how she now refers to her condition as long COVID when seeking medical care, as it is more easily accepted and believed by doctors. Despite her diagnosis and treatment, Powell still faces challenges in receiving adequate care.

The release of the CDC's report sheds light on the significant number of individuals living with chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States. It highlights the need for increased awareness, research, and access to healthcare for those affected by this debilitating condition.