Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multi-systemic illness affecting over 10 million Americans, including children. Scientists estimate that 2 in 1,000 children are impacted by this devastating illness. It is one of the most misunderstood illnesses with varying degrees of severity from very severe (near comatose and tube-fed) to mild (moderate fatigue but still able to attend school through energy conservation efforts and pacing).

We have become aware of a continuing education course for school nurses titled, Why Can't This Child Get to Class? Learn how ME/CFS keeps youth from attending school. (https://neusha.org/index.php/online-course-overview/?exam_id=1409) For $25 you will receive 3.25 contact hours and be able to describe the role of the School Nurse with students suspected to have ME/CFS and resources/referral options.

Warning signs of childhood ME/CFS

1. Falling asleep in school, extreme fatigue, or inability to play with other children at recess or during PE
2. Random low-grade fevers (usually below 101) with no other symptoms
3. Legs feel very heavy, often with pain, numbness, or tingles in their legs
4. Fatigue that doesn’t let up with rest or sleep
5. Feeling extremely tired long after exercising, sometimes for 2-3 days
6. Trouble concentrating
7. Headaches
8. Joint pain

Often in the early stages of illness (within the first 6-12 months) a person is told to exercise more, which can make them severely ill. Recognizing the signs and catching it early can mean a child is able to stay in school and maintain their life rather than being bedridden for years requiring constant home care. To learn more about helping children manage their illness please see https://tinyurl.com/mecfs-pacing.

Wishing you success in the new school year!

Amy Breakwell, Ph.D., Scott Caffrey, Cheryl Clark, M.Ed., Trish Loehrer,
Dianne Timbers, Ph.D.

Patient Advocates
(520) 276-6993

The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Action Network – Arizona
https://www.meaction.net #MEAction