Caring for Patients with ME/CFS

Key points

  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, life-altering disease affecting many organ systems.
  • It profoundly impacts patients' quality of life and abilities.
  • Clinicians can learn more about pediatric considerations, strategies for preventing worsening of symptoms, monitoring medicines and supplements, and clinical care for severely affected patients.
A middle aged woman sits down with her doctor to discuss her symptoms. She is dressed in casual business attire and looking at her doctor as they talk. The female doctor is wearing a white lab coat and listening attentively to the woman's concerns.

Helping patients manage

Young doctor examining teenage girl in her office.

Considerations for Pediatric ME/CFS

Healthcare providers can help pediatric patients and their families understand the ME/CFS. 
A female doctor talks with her patient in front of her as they talk about her concerns. - stock photo

Strategies to Prevent Worsening of Symptoms

These strategies guide healthcare providers in treating their ME/CFS patient's worst symptoms first.
Prescription Medication Medicine Pill Tablets

Monitoring the Use of Medicines and Supplements

Understand how medications and supplements affect people with ME/CFS differently.
Mature woman sitting in a wheelchair at the park

ME/CFS Clinical Care for Severely Affected Patients

Severely affected ME/CFS patients may be periodically house- or bed-bound and need special care.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)