1. Watch out for Unusual Fatigue
The primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is severe, crushing fatigue that interferes in your daily activities, limits your ability to work or go to school and lasts for six months or more. It usually comes on suddenly and has no apparent cause. It may be preceded by an infection or illness, but not always. Even in the cases where a medical condition comes before the fatigue, the fatigue that is experienced is so much worse than what you would expect as a side effect from an illness. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you will get tired more easily than usual, and even mild exertion may wear you out to the point that you have to stay in bed for a full day to recover.
2. Take Note of Any Vague, Flu-Like Symptoms
Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome think that they've caught the flu when they first get symptoms. That's because so many of the symptoms that come with chronic fatigue syndrome mimic the flu. Many people experience tender lymph nodes at the neck and may also run a low-grade fever of up to 101 degrees F. Muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea and a lack of appetite are also common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, especially in its early stages. While not everyone with the disorder will get all of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have a doctor check out any vague flu-like ailments you have that last for more than a couple of weeks.
3. Be Aware of Sensitivity to Light and Sound
A lot of people with chronic fatigue syndrome develop sensitivity to light and sound. Bright sunlight hurts their eyes and even mild sounds grate on their ears, causing them to flinch with pain and discomfort. Some people also develop sensitivity to touch and cannot stand for anyone to touch them at all. Any time you have these kinds of symptoms and they do not resolve themselves in a few weeks, you should see a doctor to be evaluated for chronic fatigue syndrome, especially if the symptoms are accompanied by severe tiredness.
