Postviral fatigue syndrome.

Abstract

Postviral fatigue is currently of great interest to the lay and professional press, patients, parents, clinicians and research workers. The origin and treatment of postviral fatigue arouses strong feelings particularly the unhelpful debate as to whether this is an organic o r psychiatric disorder or even a 'bogus' illness! 1 This is not a new problem. 2 Over the years this condition has been known by a variety of names: Icelandic disease, Lake Tahoe disease, Royal Free disease, Epidemic Neuromyasthenia, Benign Myalgie Encephalomyelitis (ME), Postviral Syndrome, 'Yuppie Flu' and most recently Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Although this is not a common disorder in children it is important since the uncritical diagnosis, ensuing investigation and frequent 'lack of rational medical treatment' has been recognised to 'seriously damage a child's health')