Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) involves fatigue that is sufficiently intense and persistent to reduce normal daily activities by at least 50% for a minimum of six months. Women account for 70% of cases of CFS, with the typical patient being a Caucasian woman in her mid-20s to late 40s. The prevalence is 4 to 10 formally diagnosed cases per 100,000 U.S. adults (18 years or older). Women are affected almost twice as often as men. Although not conclusive, CFS may be precipitated by infectious agents (for example, Borrelia burgdorferi), herpes viruses, Candida albicans, and parasitic agents. This may very well be a multifactorial pathologic entity with lifestyle and constitutional/psychological makeup contributing factors.

• Stressed immune system caused by recent acute illness, chronic health problems, emotional factors (anxiety, depression), or poor nutrition
• Possibly environmental pollutants and contaminants

• Sudden onset of severe fatigue, developing over a few hours to a few days and often after an acute viral illness
• Low-grade fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Lymphadenopathy
• Myalgias and arthralgias
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased ability to concentrate or remember
• Allergies
• General muscle weakness