There have been many recent advances in chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) research. Below are some potential story angles for covering CFIDS that reflect new understanding and knowledge of the science behind this illness and its public health implications. Please contact us for more information or assistance in finding CFIDS patients and medical experts to interview.

Invisible Illness Is Public Health Problem
There is no reliable diagnostic test yet for CFIDS, making it in some ways an "invisible" illness. According to research, less than 15% of all individuals who suffer from CFIDS are diagnosed, and more than 85% remain ill with little or no appropriate medical care for their illness. This means that a substantial number of health care professionals are neither recognizing nor treating CFIDS in practice. See the Association's fact sheet on CFIDS and the medical section of this web site for more information on the scope of this unrecognized public health problem.

Medical Professional Survey
CFIDS is estimated to affect as many as 800,000 Americans, but the medical community lacks the knowledge and tools to diagnose it effectively. A survey conducted by the CFIDS Association and fielded to more than 8,100 medical professionals has revealed CFIDS can be as serious and disabling as other more well known chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The survey reveals medical professionals' opinions on the causes of CFS, how to diagnose and treat it and what the medical community needs to better care for patients. See our survey media kit for more information.

Research Symposia
The CFIDS Association's research symposia series is gathering experts to evaluate current research findings on CFIDS, identify the most promising next steps, define research and funding priorities and create collaborative research teams. The first symposium in the series, held in December 2000 looked at possible connections between CFIDS and Orthostatic Intolerance (OI). The second symposium, held March 19-20, 2001, explored the role of Neuroendocrine systems in CFIDS. The third symposium on the Immunology of CFIDS, was held October 22-23, 2001. Click here for more information.