Multi joint pain without swelling or redness. Post exertion malaise lasting more than 24 hours. A person with CFS finds it very difficult to live a normal functional life. Sufferers must slow the pace of their lives and avoid, or reduce, both physically and psychologically stressful situations or the symptoms will worsen. The degree of disability varies.
Some people can continue to perform both in the home and at work.
Often work becomes impossible and the sufferer is confined to bed. Even the most simple tasks can become too much. A trip to the doctor can end with days in bed to recover. For some, CFS can begin after catching the flu, bronchitis, hepatitis, a stomach bug or glandular fever. Others may develop the symptoms gradually over a long period.