QUESTION: Is there really such a thing as a Yuppie flu? Why do yuppies get it? How is it different from regular flus?
ANSWER: "Yuppie flu" is a nickname for a mysterious syndrome that leaves its victims with a chronic feeling of fatigue.
Unlike regular flus, which only last a few days or weeks, this syndrome lasts for months. It has been called the Yuppie flu because it seems to commonly affect upscale young professionals.
The Federal Centers for Disease Control has just given a new name to the ailment Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Victims of chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from at least 8 symptoms, which may include mild fever, sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness and muscle pain, headaches, insomnia and other sleep problems, neurological problems and extreme fatigue.
Doctors are still puzzled as to what causes this condition.
The cause has been attributed to the Epstein-Barr Virus, which causes mononucleosis.
Other suspected triggers are thyroid problems, fungal infections, low blood sugar, among other possible culprits. However, none of these explanations has been found to be the definitive cause.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
