Consider a diagnosis of ME/CFS if these three criteria are met: - The individual has severe chronic fatigue for ≥6 consecutive months that is not due to ongoing exertion or other medical conditions associated with fatigue (these other conditions need to be ruled out by a doctor after diagnostic tests have been conducted).
- The fatigue significantly interferes with daily activities and work.
- The individual concurrently has four or more of the following eight symptoms:
- postexertion malaise lasting >24 hours
- unrefreshing sleep
- significant impairment of short-term memory or concentration
- muscle pain
- multijoint pain without swelling or redness
- headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
- sore throat that is frequent or recurring
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