Build a better understanding of ME – share the WMEA ME factsheet
As WAMES joins countries round the world on #WorldMEday in 2024 calling for a #GlobalVoiceForME, we are fortunate to be able to share a fact sheet that highlights the key characteristic of the illness, Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), also known as Post-Exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE).
Produced with the help of people affected by ME in many countries involved in the World ME Alliance, it is available in a range of languages, so it can help build a basic understanding of ME across borders.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also preciously 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 more ill. 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.
Download the ME Factsheet
English Welsh
English easy-formatting (useful for text-speech software)
Español Français Italiano Portugese
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.
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.
FInd out more about World ME day:
