Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What Increases Your Risk

People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are generally 25 to 45 years of age. Women are more likely to have CFS.

CFS is rare in children. It may occur in teenagers, especially young teenage girls. Unlike adults, teenagers are more likely to develop CFS after having an illness such as mononucleosis or flu.

Various studies report that between 1 and 5 people per 1,000 in the United States may have CFS—enough to call it a major public health problem.⁴

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.