After 15 years, we still do not have a usable diagnostic criteria for the public. Furthermore, at least half of all patients have warning symptoms for years prior to the tell-tale collapse, yet no effort has been made to study and classify these symptoms as a means of preventing collapse. As happened with AIDS, the government has totally ignored the children. We still have no prevalence study for children and adolescents. School authorities threaten prosecution when parents follow their doctors' orders and keep CFS children at home.
Illness means impoverishment.
This is particularly true for women. This is most egregious when it comes to health care. Caregivers need support. Spouses and parents are overwhelmed. Services such as eldercare are not available for those who care for invalids under the age of 65. 6.