The ME/CFS Society of NSW Inc.

Youth is no shield against ME/CFS, and the condition can create special problems for children and teenagers. It's rarely found in under-fives but young teenagers seem particularly vulnerable. According to American paediatrician Dr David Bell, in the 5 to 12-year age group, onset is often slow - but in adolescents, it can be acute and linked with a flu-like illness. Many of the clinical symptoms are the same as for adults, but in children and teenagers the central nervous system disturbances can result in poor school performance.