00:00 Health officials unveiled the first nationally representative estimate of US adults grappling
00:12 with chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS, and that is a staggering 3.3 million people.
00:18 This surpasses previous estimates potentially influenced by patients with long-term COVID,
00:24 highlighting the condition's prevalence. Characterized by six months of severe exhaustion,
00:30 unrelieved bed rest, CFS brings with it pain, brain fog, and worsening symptoms after activity.
00:38 Despite affecting millions, there's no quick diagnosis, no cure, no definitive test.
00:45 Nearly four decades ago, CFS gained attention, but skepticism remained. Some dismissed it
00:50 as "yuppie flu," a misconception that still persists. Patients like Hannah Powell faced
00:56 years of misdiagnoses being labeled as hypochondriac and battling anxiety and depression accusations.
01:05 The CDC's 2021-22 survey involving 57,000 adults reflects a demographic shift. CFS transcends
01:14 gender and race, contradicting previous assumptions. Notably, it affects poor individuals' more
01:21 challenging stereotypes.
01:24 Why the disparity in recognition? Some believe that traditionally diagnosed patients have
01:30 easier access to health care, fostering belief in their fatigue struggles. Diagnosing CFS
01:36 remains elusive, relying on patients' memories without medical record verification. This
01:42 could lead to over-counting, but experts believe only a fraction of CFS cases are diagnosed.
01:48 Dr. Daniel Klaw notes the reluctance of diagnosis given the lack of approved drugs or treatment
01:55 guidelines.
01:56 Interestingly, the tally may include long COVID patients experiencing prolonged exhaustion,
02:02 a condition recognized more swiftly than CFS. While symptoms align, long COVID enjoys broader
02:09 acceptance. Some patients found stability through treatments, yet the journey of care
02:15 remains challenging. Powell, like many others, opts to mention long COVID for quicker belief
02:21 and understanding.
02:22 Powell, a high school athlete, came down with an inlays during a trip to Belize before senior
02:29 year. Doctors thought it was malaria and she seemed to recover. However, she developed
02:35 persistent exhaustion, had trouble sleeping, and had recurrent vomiting. She gradually
02:40 had to stop playing sports and had trouble doing schoolwork as well. As she said, "After
02:47 five years, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and began to achieve some stability
02:53 through regular infusions of fluids and medications."
02:57 As we navigate the complexities of chronic fatigue syndrome, dispelling myths and fostering
03:03 awareness is crucial. Millions silently endure seeking acknowledgement and understanding.
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