International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

May 12th every year is considered as International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Day.

The first holiday for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) was celebrated since 1992. There are some CIND illnesses such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

History of International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

CDC has developed a new Patient Toolkit to help people with ME/CFS, their families, and carers prepare and manage doctor visits. These resources describe the symptoms of ME/CFS in detail and provide essential information before, during, and after visiting a healthcare provider. People suffering with ME/CFS should use the new checklist to guide conversations with their doctor. A new chart can help in tracking of the medications and supplements. This toolkit has available in Spanish.

CDC also continues to showcase the experiences of people with ME/CFS through the Voice of the Patient series.

We recognize and support millions of people with ME/CFS and other chronic neurological and immune diseases by raising awareness and providing education. ME/CFS is a disease that is long-term and serious, which affects many body systems. People with ME/CFS with severe fatigue, post-exercise malaise, or PEM (symptoms that get worse after physical or emotional exertion they should have endured before getting sick), trouble sleeping, pain, and other symptoms.

How to celebrate International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day

• Wear blue to raise awareness. Show support for people with ME/CFS, their families and careers, and researchers studying ME/CFS by wearing blue on May 12.
• Spread the word on social media. Share information about I/CFS to help educate your followers. Repost the CDC message and use the hashtag #MECFSAwareness.
• Attend a virtual event. Search for local online events in your community.
• Share your personal stories. If you or your beloved is suffered with ME/CFS, let share your story with others such as neighbors and friends.
• Find out more and share what you learn with family and friends.