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Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overlooked Health Crisis in India

  • May 12, 2025
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Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overlooked Health Crisis in India
 
Today, May 12, marks Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day — a time to spotlight a condition that quietly
affects millions but is rarely discussed.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and
often misunderstood illness that leaves individuals grappling with persistent exhaustion, memory
issues, and non-refreshing sleep — despite adequate rest. While it may not always grab headlines,
the silent toll it takes on people's lives, especially in India, is staggering.
Recent data paints a concerning picture. Nearly 1 in 8 women in India report symptoms consistent
with chronic fatigue. A separate estimate suggests that 12% of Indian women may be affected by
long-term fatigue-related disorders. More broadly, 82% of Indians say they wake up already feeling
tired. Alarmingly, it’s the younger population that seems to be feeling the weight the most — with
85% of Indian youth (aged 25–35) reporting higher fatigue levels compared to older adults in the
36–45 age group. Furthermore, almost half of the population (48%) admit they often feel tired
during the day, signaling an epidemic of low energy that can't be ignored.
Post-COVID complications have only added to the burden. A recent study from the University of
Utah Health reveals that around 4.5% of COVID-19 survivors go on to develop symptoms
characteristic of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, reinforcing the need for awareness and proactive
intervention.
So, what exactly is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, how does it affect people, and why is it time we
started paying closer attention?
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term illness
characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with physical or
mental activity. Unlike normal tiredness, the fatigue associated with CFS is debilitating,
unpredictable, and persistent, often lasting for months or years.
Common CFS Symptoms:
 Persistent fatigue that lasts more than six months
 Unrefreshing sleep, even after a full night's rest
 Post-exertional malaise (PEM) — a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental
exertion
 Cognitive issues such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory lapses
 Muscle pain or joint discomfort
 Frequent headaches or sore throat
 Dizziness or light-headedness
The symptoms vary in intensity and can fluctuate over time, making it difficult to diagnose and
manage. In severe cases, CFS can interfere significantly with a person’s ability to work, study, or
perform daily tasks.
Chronic Fatigue in India: A Growing Concern
 
While chronic fatigue is often brushed off as the result of stress, overwork, or lack of sleep, it’s
becoming clear that it's a deeper, more systemic issue in India.
 Young adults are reporting fatigue levels far higher than previous generations, often linked
to digital overexposure, poor work-life balance, and sedentary lifestyles.
 Women, particularly in urban areas, are disproportionately affected — juggling careers,
caregiving roles, and household responsibilities without adequate rest or medical attention.
 Cultural stigma around mental health and exhaustion often discourages individuals from
seeking help, leading to prolonged suffering and undiagnosed cases.
This ongoing health crisis is quietly reducing productivity, increasing healthcare costs, and affecting
quality of life for millions — yet it remains largely underdiagnosed and underreported.
The Link Between Chronic Fatigue and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how we view fatigue and post-viral syndromes.
For many survivors, recovery doesn’t stop when the infection clears. One of the more troubling
trends is the emergence of Long COVID, a condition marked by lingering symptoms such as
breathlessness, cognitive dysfunction, and — notably — chronic fatigue.
According to the University of Utah Health study, about 4.5% of COVID-19 survivors develop
symptoms consistent with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This post-viral fatigue resembles traditional
CFS but is often even more complex to manage due to overlapping symptoms.
In India, with millions having recovered from COVID-19, the ripple effect of post-COVID fatigue could
mean a surge in chronic fatigue cases over the coming years — unless addressed proactively.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains unknown, but several factors may contribute:
 Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr, COVID-19)
 Immune system dysregulation
 Hormonal imbalances
 Physical or emotional trauma
 Genetic predisposition
CFS is more common in women than men and typically strikes individuals between the ages of 25
and 45, though it can occur at any age. One of the most frustrating aspects of CFS is how difficult it is
to diagnose. There’s no single test that can confirm it. Instead, diagnosis is often made by ruling out
other medical conditions and evaluating the pattern of symptoms over time.
This makes it critical for individuals to track their symptoms, seek medical advice, and advocate for
comprehensive testing — especially if they feel their fatigue is persistent and impacting daily life.
Management and Treatment
There is currently no cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but several strategies can help manage
symptoms and improve quality of life:
Lifestyle Modifications
 
 Balanced sleep routine
 Gentle physical activity like yoga or walking
 Pacing activities to avoid overexertion (also known as energy management)
Diet and Nutrition
 Anti-inflammatory diet
 Avoiding processed sugars and caffeine spikes
 Hydration and micronutrient support
Mental Health Support
 Counseling or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
 Stress management techniques like meditation and journaling
Medical Management
 Treating co-existing conditions like thyroid imbalance, sleep apnea, or anemia
 Medications to manage pain, sleep disturbances, or depression where needed
Fatigue should never be dismissed as just part of a busy lifestyle. Chronic fatigue is a real,
diagnosable condition that deserves the same attention and care as any other long-term illness.
Early recognition can prevent the condition from worsening and improve outcomes for those
affected. On this Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, let’s move beyond the notion that being tired all
the time is normal. It's not. Whether it's due to lifestyle, post-viral effects, or a more complex health
issue like CFS, persistent fatigue deserves your attention — and action.
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