Children CAN get chronic fatigue syndrome

Although children with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS) exhibit symptoms similar to adults – including severe exhaustion, problems with concentration and memory, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain and headaches – a child’s difficulty in effectively expressing how he feels can make it more challenging to identify and diagnose the illness. CFIDS in children is often mistaken as a behavioral or emotional problem, in particular school phobia.

Growing up with a disabling illness like CFIDS is a real challenge. But because many people don't know that children and teenagers can even get CFIDS, it often takes years for them to be diagnosed. Children with CFIDS face numerous obstacles as they fight for a healthy childhood and a quality education.

The CFIDS Association of America is working to improve the lives of young persons with CFIDS by providing emotional and educational support, coping tips and important medical information to them and their families. We're also helping pediatricians, family practitioners, school nurses and teachers learn how to recognize pediatric CFIDS and how to help kids who have it.

Amplifying public awareness is an important part of Association-led efforts to help young people with CFIDS . To that end, we recently distributed a feature article through the North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS) to reach hundreds of local newspapers -- and millions of readers – with important information about pediatric CFIDS .

The CFIDS Association also dedicates a special section of its Web site to the unique concerns facing children CFIDS , their parents and their siblings.

Learn more, become an advocate for young people with CFIDS and support vital Association-led efforts on their behalf by making a generous tax-deductible gift to The CFIDS Association America today.