Strategies to Prevent Worsening of Symptoms | ME/CFS | CDC

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Healthcare providers and patients should establish which symptoms are most disruptive or disabling and tailor management plans accordingly. Treatment should be directed toward the most problematic symptoms as prioritized by the patient. It is also important to incorporate strategies to prevent worsening of symptoms into initial and subsequent treatment plans. Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion that would have been tolerated previously. Symptoms typically worsen 12 to 48 hours after activity. PEM can last for days or even weeks. PEM can be mitigated by activity management (pacing). The goal is to avoid PEM flare-ups and illness relapses by balancing rest and activity. Patients need to determine their individual limits for mental and physical activity. Then, they can plan activity

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Healthcare providers and patients should establish which symptoms are most disruptive or disabling and tailor management plans accordingly. Treatment should be directed toward the most problematic symptoms as prioritized by the patient. It is also important to incorporate strategies to prevent worsening of symptoms into initial and subsequent treatment plans. Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental ex