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# Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - Whole blood and components

## Essential information

Includes

  Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome, systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

Obligatory

  Must not donate.

Discretionary

  If donor gives a history of fatigue following a viral infection (e.g. glandular fever) with no relapse of symptoms and it is at least 6 months since all symptoms resolved, accept.

## Supporting information

Additional information

  CFS is generally diagnosed by excluding other conditions and may follow an infection that may or may not have been viral and which may be carried by the affected individual.

  It is most common between the ages of 25 and 45 years and women are affected more often than men. It is associated with easily induced and prolonged episodes of fatigue, often accompanied by other symptoms.

  The condition is relapsing by nature and donation may make symptoms worse, or provoke a relapse in an affected individual.

  Post-viral fatigue can occur after an acute viral infection. Symptoms of fatigue can last weeks or months and may follow a relapsing course. It is important that individuals have fully recovered before being accepted to donate.

Reason for change:
  A discretion to accept donors who have fully recovered from fatigue associated with an acute viral infection has been added.
Version details:

  WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 69 (04 July 2023)

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