Chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are two distinct medical conditions. While chronic fatigue is a general term that refers to a prolonged period of feeling tired and lacking energy, CFS is a more serious, complex disorder that causes extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest.
The main difference between chronic fatigue and CFS is the duration and severity of the fatigue. With chronic fatigue, the fatigue may last for weeks or months and is often brought on by physical or mental exertion, whereas with CFS, the fatigue can last for several months or even years and is not necessarily caused by any particular activity.
In addition, CFS is often accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, rarely causes any other symptoms other than extreme fatigue.
Finally, while chronic fatigue may be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, lifestyle, or underlying medical conditions, the exact cause of CFS is still unknown. Although there are theories that suggest a viral or immune system disorder may be the cause of CFS, research is still inconclusive.
In summary, the main difference between chronic fatigue and CFS is the duration and severity of the fatigue, as well as the presence of other associated symptoms. Chronic fatigue is usually caused by physical or mental exertion and can last for weeks or months, whereas CFS is a more serious, complex disorder that is not necessarily caused by any particular activity and can last for several months or even years.