Myalgic Encephalomyelitis factsheet
WAMES has been working with ME organisations around the world to produce a new fact sheet on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), with a particular focus on post-exertional malaise (PEM). Available in a growing number of languages, we hope this resource will help build a basic understanding of ME across borders.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also sometimes known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a disabling, chronic and complex disease.
People with ME are not able to function the same way they did before they became ill. ME changes people’s ability to do daily tasks, like taking a shower or preparing a meal. It often makes it hard to keep a job, go to school, and take part in family and social life. At least 1 in 4 people with ME are bed- or house-bound for long periods during their illness.
ME can get worse after any activity, and pushing harder can make someone with ME sicker. This hallmark symptom is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this issue to the forefront, with a growing number of people with long COVID experiencing PEM. This has further highlighted the already urgent need for increased awareness and understanding of ME and its associated symptoms.
That’s why the World ME Alliance excited to launch the new info sheet, which provides valuable information on ME, PEM, and the impact of COVID-19. Available in English, Spanish, and Italian, as well as an easy-read format in English, our factsheet is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about ME and its associated symptoms.
Download the ME Factsheet
English Welsh
English easy-formatting (useful for text-speech software)
Español Français Italiano Portugese Hebrew
The simple information provided should be known by every healthcare professional, and we hope will give the general public a better understanding of the huge impact of ME.
We are launching this in the run-up to World ME Day on May 12th. This is an important day in the calendar for raising awareness of ME and the issues facing those with the disease. We encourage everyone to visit worldmeday.org to learn more about events and activities taking place on this important day.
Whether you are only hearing about ME for the first time, are a healthcare professional or maybe a family member of someone with ME, we hope that our new factsheet will give you a better understanding of this disease and its associated symptoms. Please share it widely with friends, family, and colleagues to help us raise awareness and understanding of this important issue.
