The International Association for CFS/ME recently released "A Primer for Clinical Practitioners," intended to educate doctors on ME/CFS. The main body of the document is about 25 pages in PDF format. Within those 25 pages, the IACFS/ME summarizes most key topics, from terminology, to etiology (causes); from diagnosis, and treatment, to related conditions.
Based on its title, the primer is meant to be used by doctors only. But I don't see why it shouldn't be given to anyone who needs to know more about ME/CFS. The information is presented in a plain, straightforward manner. Honestly, a fourth grader could understand this material. Why not send a copy to your family, your employer, or anyone who you'd like to "get it"?
The IACFS/ME requests a $15 donation, but you don't have to donate to gain access to the document. I did, but only after reading it and satisfying myself that it is a quality product.
If I had a criticism of the primer, it would be the omission of certain testing recommendations. While Seciton 3:1 gives a good summary of immune system abnormalities, Tables 1 and 2 (laboratory testing) don't mention tests of Natural Killer Cell activity, CD4/CD8 counts, or even antibody tests for related infections like EBV, CMV, HHV-6 etc. But, overall, it's an excellent resource and something worth sharing with others.
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