Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/The name

Different names that people have referred to CFS with.

CFS

The term "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) was decided on in 1988 by a group of researchers. It was intended to replace "Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus" (CEBV) and "Chronic Mononucleosis," which were inaccurate names.

CFIDS

Many people, especially patients in the United States, use the term CFIDS (pronouced See-Fids), which was originally an acronym for 'Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome' or 'Chronic Fatigue/ Immune Dysregulation Syndrome''. These terms were based on the belief that the illness is caused by problems with the immune system. Although this view is less prevalent, the acronym CFIDS is still used.

ME

Outside of the United States, the term "ME" is in common use. ME was originally short for "MyalgicEncephalomyelitis?," literally "infection and swelling of the brain with muscle pain," or "Myalgic Encephalitis," "infection of the brain with muscle pain." Like CFIDS, the term ME is often used although its original meaning is inaccurate.

CEBV

At one point the illness was commonly called Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV). The Epstein-Barr Virus, a virus that commonly causes Mononucleosis, was thought to be the cause of CFS. This has proven not to be true.

Chronic Mononucleosis

Sometimes, CFS is referred to as chronic mononucleosis, because of the similarities in symptoms to mononucleosis, and the fact that some people's illness is originally triggered by mononucleosis.

Low Natural Killer Cell Disease

This name is used widely--and exclusively--in Japan. It reflects the belief that CFS is related to the number of Natural Killer Cells the patient has.

Yuppie Flu

This was a nickname for CFS, especially in the United States in the 1980s. It reflects the belief that CFS mainly effects the affluent, and implies that it is a form of malingering.