ME Association Free Literature

Doctors: How to Establish a Good Relationship

We explain what to expect from your doctor and how you can work to ensure a supportive relationship. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS whose recommendations are now being applied to health and social care services.

Explaining ME/CFS to Other People

We consider just how much of an added burden it can be when others in your life do not understand ME/CFS, and we examine ways in which communication can be improved.

Facts about ME/CFS leaflet

Key facts about ME/CFS, which can be printed as an A4 or A5 poster or leaflet to help raise awareness of this multi-system illness.

Just Diagnosed? We’re Here to Help!

Written for people recently diagnosed with ME/CFS, we aim to provide answers to some of the questions you might have about the condition, tips for management, and where you can find medical help. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

ME/CFS/PVFS – Your Questions Answered

We explain some of the terminology you are likely to encounter and help address the more commonly asked questions about Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pacing: Activity and Energy Management

We explain how you can safely manage functional incapacity by using a management approach known as Pacing. It will help you learn how to live with ME/CFS and Long Covid without triggering an exacerbation of symptoms. It is consistent with the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Prevalence of ME/CFS in the UK

Updates on the prevalence statistics for ME/CFS in the UK, including latest research and Long Covid.
Written by Russell Fleming, Head of Project Development at The ME Association.

Prognosis, Permanency & Quality of Life in ME/CFS

This booklet covers information on what people may expect following a diagnosis of ME/CFS in terms of disability, improvement, recovery, and quality of life.

What you need to know about ME/CFS

Written by Dr Katrina Pears, Research Coordinator for The ME Association, this booklet contains evidence-based knowledge and expert medical opinion. It includes ME/CFS background, the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS, research evidence on disease pathology, advancing ME/CFS research and how you can help.

Blood Tests Explained

In this leaflet, we take an in-depth look at what blood tests should be taken to ensure your diagnosis is correct. Testing your blood is essential to rule out other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.

Causation – What do we know about the causes of ME/CFS?

Despite being subject to uncertainty and continuing medical debate, we review the evidence for causation and consider the physical abnormalities that reinforce the view that there is an underlying disease process in ME/CFS.

Diagnosing ME/CFS

We explain why an early and accurate diagnosis is so important and review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS. We examine core symptoms, clinical investigations and blood tests, and other explanations for persistent symptoms.

Disability Classification & Illness Severity Definitions

We examine illness severity, explain how ME/CFS is officially recognised as a neurological disease and disability, and provide a useful disability rating scale that can help you explain your disability to others.

Disability Rating Scale

We have produced a Disability Rating Scale that expands on the illness severity definitions recommended in the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS. It is more detailed and relevant, can be used to explain your current situation to others, in medical or benefit discussions, and as an aid to monitoring progress.

Just Diagnosed? We’re Here to Help!

Written for people recently diagnosed with ME/CFS, we aim to provide answers to some of the questions you might have about the condition, tips for management, and where you can find medical help. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Neurological – Is ME/CFS a Neurological Disease?

This leaflet summarises all the key clinical, research and political evidence supporting a neurological classification for myalgic encephalopathy/encephalomyelitis (ME).

Prognosis, Permanency & Quality of Life in ME/CFS

This booklet covers information on what people may expect following a diagnosis of ME/CFS in terms of disability, improvement, recovery, and quality of life.

Template: Immunisations as Possible Triggers

This letter summarises the evidence both for and against a link between immunisations and ME/CFS.

A-Z of Symptom Management

In this leaflet, we summarise how medications, self-help strategies, and therapies can be used to manage some of the most common symptoms in ME/CFS.

A-Z Poster of ME/CFS

Following a series of successful social media posts, we have developed an A to Z poster showing the alphabet of common symptoms, experiences, and comorbidities of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Anaesthesia and ME/CFS

Jointly produced by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, ME Association and PwME, this leaflet aims to provide people who need surgery and an anaesthetic or sedation with information about what they might expect.

Anxiety & Panic Attacks – Your Questions Answered

We explain what causes anxiety and panic attacks, why you might get anxious, what you can do to help yourself, and when to seek help from a medical professional.

Autonomic Dysfunction

Profs. Sivan and Newton, and Dr McKeever, explain how to recognise and manage autonomic dysfunction (OI and PoTS etc.) in ME/CFS and Long Covid (Nov. 2023).

Cognitive Dysfunction – Brain Fog

A key symptom of ME/CFS and Long Covid, it can be very frustrating, affecting memory and recall, word-finding, comprehension, reading, writing, concentration and other mental activities. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Cold Hands & Feet (Including Raynaud’s)

In this booklet, we explore problems with temperature control (also called disturbed thermoregulation) which are very common in ME/CFS and include sensitivity to both heat and cold.

Counselling – Your Questions Answered

We explain counselling and how therapy can help should an independent professional be needed to work through the understandable emotional problems that can affect people with ME/CFS and Long Covid and those who care for them.

Dental Care – Your Questions Answered

We help address common questions about maintaining dental hygiene while ill with ME/CFS. We also consider how to best manage mouth ulcers, anaesthetic sensitivity, and the role of antibiotics in dental practice.

Depression – Antidepressants & Other Treatment Options

We explain why suffering from depression is completely understandable when living with ME/CFS and consider the treatment options that are available.

Diet and Nutrition

We examine the role of diet, how it can help to improve health when suffering from ME/CFS and Long Covid and ways we could improve what we eat and how we eat it. We consider malnutrition and how essential nutrition should be provided when severely or very severely affected. And, we share diet trends and tips and answer commonly asked questions from the patient community.

Doctors: How to Establish a Good Relationship

We explain what to expect from your doctor and how you can work to ensure a supportive relationship. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS whose recommendations are now being applied to health and social care services.

Emotions – Managing Emotions in ME/CFS

In this booklet, we explore some of the emotions that people with ME/CFS may experience and consider general coping strategies to help manage mental health.

Fatigue – The Nature of Fatigue

A key symptom of ME/CFS and Long Covid, we explain what is meant by debilitating fatigue and how it differs from the ‘chronic fatigue’ that occurs in a wide range of other medical and psychiatric illnesses. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Forward ME Briefing Paper: Clinical assessment of people with very severe ME/CFS

This Forward ME briefing paper on the clinical assessment of people with very severe ME/CFS was prepared for the DHSC and NHS England in relation to an action point in the DHSC Delivery Plan to explore the creation of a national specialist referral service for people with very severe ME/CFS who require hospital admission.
This briefing paper can also be used by people with very severe ME/CFS and their carers when they have to deal with health professionals and hospital services.

Headaches & Migraines

We discuss what we know about headaches and migraines and the way they affect some people with ME/CFS. We also consider when to see your doctor and pharmacist to discuss treatment options. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

How to Cope with a Heatwave

This document explains heat regulation issues with ME/CFS and top tips for dealing with hot weather.

Management – Ten Key Aspects

This booklet brings together the 10 most important aspects to managing your ME/CFS and is consistent with the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Management – What gets in the way of good management?

Good management can be the key that helps people with ME/CFS improve their quality of life. We provide an in-depth review of the 3 most common barriers and how they can be overcome.

MEA Illness Management Report (2015)

Details the ME Association position on the controversial graded exercise and cognitive behavioural therapies and explains why we support the activity management approach known simply as Pacing.

Medication – Amitriptyline: Depression, Pain & Sleep Relief

In this booklet, we explain how Amitriptyline was developed as an antidepressant, but is now used more commonly to help with pain and sleep problems that occur in ME/CFS.

Medication – Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Depression & Pain Relief

We discuss anxiety, depression and pain in ME/CFS, and how they can be managed. We feature the drug duloxetine and review the evidence for its use as a symptom-relieving medication.

Medication – Gabapentin (Neurontin): Moderate to Severe Pain Relief

We talk about pain in ME/CFS and how it can be managed. We feature Gabapentin, review the evidence for its use as a pain relief medication, and its legal status as a Class C controlled Drug.

Medication – Lyrica (Pregabalin): Moderate to Severe Pain Relief

We talk about pain in ME/CFS and how it can be managed. We feature Lyrica, review the evidence for its use as a pain relief medication, and its legal status as a Class C controlled Drug.

Nutrition Assessment & Malnutrition

We review the importance of nutrition and the dangers of malnutrition, especially in people severely and very severely affected by ME/CFS.

Orthostatic Intolerance

In this booklet, we discuss a key symptom in ME/CFS and Long Covid and explain what might be causing loss of balance and dizziness when moving about. We provide information on the main symptoms of Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and cover ways on how this condition can be managed.

Pacing: Activity and Energy Management

We explain how you can safely manage functional incapacity by using a management approach known as Pacing. It will help you learn how to live with ME/CFS and Long Covid without triggering an exacerbation of symptoms. It is consistent with the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Pain Management

Most people with ME/CFS will experience pain that will likely impact their functional ability and quality of life. We discuss the various types of pain and how each can best be managed. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Personal Relationships & Intimacy

Intimate relations can be important, but among those with ME/CFS or Long Covid they can be a challenge. We explore the issues and provide real-life experiences, which might help you to discuss the topic with your partner. Warning: Adult Content.

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Deciding whether to have a child is something that requires a great deal of careful planning if you have ME/CFS and we hope this leaflet will help you reach an informed decision.

Relapses, Exacerbations & Flare-ups

We explain what you can expect from a relapse and how you can best manage any setback in your health, and review the recommendations from the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Sensitivities, Intolerances, and Hypersensitivities

In this leaflet, we review common sensitivities, intolerances, and hypersensitivities that can occur in ME/CFS and offer management options and tips. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Severe ME

The information on severe ME taken from the ME Association ME/CFS/PVFS Clinical & Research Guide 2022 Edition (The ‘Purple Book’) is now available to download for free. This helpful information from Dr Charles Shepherd, MEA Honorary Medical Adviser can be used to inform healthcare professionals in primary or secondary care about the disease.

Severe ME/CFS: Helping You Cope

In this leaflet, we talk about severe ME/CFS – the symptoms, some thoughts about management, how you can explain your illness to family and carers – together with the kind of help that may be available. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Sleep Management

Failing to have a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is likely to have an adverse effect on all aspects of your health. Various types of sleep disturbance occur in ME/CFS and Long Covid, especially waking up feeling unrefreshed. There are a number of simple self-help strategies that can be of help. In some cases drug treatments have a role to play as well.

Stomach & Irritable Bowel Symptoms

Most people with ME/CFS report that they have stomach and bowel symptoms like those found in IBS. We examine the symptoms, explain how they should to be investigated, and discuss available treatments. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Stress & How to Handle It

We discuss the understandable effect that stress can have on people with ME/CFS, and we the treatment options that are available.

Template: Flu Vaccine (2026-2027)

This template letter can help you obtain a Free NHS Flu vaccination if you have ME/CFS and decide to have one.

Travel

Helpful tips for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid, including; planning your trip, choosing the right destination and accommodation, surviving the journey, travel insurance and pre-travel vaccinations, and travel checklists.

Vision / Eyes and ME/CFS

Leaflet explaining visual disturbances and underlying conditions.

Blue Badge Scheme Applications

In this leaflet, we provide an overview of the blue badge parking scheme and explain how you can make an application. Also included is a letter you can use to support an application.

Disability Aids, Adaptations, and Social Care

We consider disability aids and home adaptations, recommendations from the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS, NHS and social care provision, the disabled facilities grant – and helpful tips to help you achieve more independence.

DWP Claiming Benefits – Top Tips

If you’re faced with the daunting task of completing an application for Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Universal Credit – pause a while and read these top tips!

DWP Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – A Guide to Applications

This guide contains examples that are relevant to people with ME/CFS (and Long Covid) and will help you or your representative make a good application for this often essential and non-means-tested disability benefit.

DWP Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – A Guide to Reconsiderations & Appeals

This guide takes you through a mandatory reconsideration of the decision made about your benefit application. It also explains how you can make a formal appeal to challenge the DWPs decision.

DWP Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Terminology Guide

This free leaflet helps explain the often confusing terms used by the Department of Work and Pensions when making an application for PIP. The content is available in the main booklet: PIP – A Guide to Applications.

DWP Personal Independence Payment (PIP): ME/CFS Training and guidance for PIP assessors

Obtained through a Freedom of Information request, this is the new training and information document on ME/CFS that has been prepared for people who are involved in assessing claims for PIP.

Employment Issues

An essential guide that features employment law, returning or continuing to work as a disabled person, reasonable adjustments, sickness absence, leaving work due to ill health, national insurance, benefits, ill-health early retirement and pensions, reasonable adjustments, termination of employment and unfair dismissal.

Occupational Health Demystified

A comprehensive booklet (written by Dr Helen L Kröning, MA (Cantab) MSc MBChB with European Studies MRCS DOccMed) containing information to help guide interactions and avoid potential pitfalls if you seek Occupational Health input.

Pensions – Obtaining an Ill-Health Pension

We consider the key points in applying for early retirement on the grounds of ill-health and examine prognosis and permanency in ME/CFS.

Template: Blue Badge Applications

This letter provides background information on the classification, severity and prognosis/permanency of ME/CFS in relation to a Blue Badge disabled parking application.

Template: Disability Aids, Adaptations & Social Care

This letter provides supporting evidence for the provision of disability aids such as wheelchairs, home adaptations and appliances for people with ME/CFS. It can also be used to help obtain aid from social care services.

Template: Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

A pro-forma letter offering support for someone with ME/CFS applying for a disabled bus pass.

Children and Adolescents

This 6-page chapter has been taken from the 2022 Clinical & Research Guide and we review what is known about ME/CFS in young people and consider the research evidence.

Diagnosis and Management in Young People: a Primer

This booklet was compiled by international experts including Dr Nigel Speight, Hon. Paediatric Adviser to the ME Association. It provides the information necessary to understand, diagnose and manage the symptoms of ME in children and young people.

Severe ME in Children

Dr Nigel Speight – Hon. Paediatric Adviser to the ME Association has published an 8-page review about the presentation of severe ME/CFS in children. He considers the approach that should be adopted by doctors, and what can be done to provide appropriate care and support.

Template: Examinations & ME/CFS

This letter summarises the special arrangements that may need to be used so that students with ME/CFS can make the best use of their potential when taking examinations.

University & How to Survive by Emily Bailey

This comprehensive guide to surviving at university with ME/CFS is based on Emily’s own experiences.

University & ME by Pippa Stacey

This leaflet explains how someone with ME/CFS can make a successful start to their time at university. Pippa has also written a book on the subject.

Anxiety & Panic Attacks – Your Questions Answered

We explain what causes anxiety and panic attacks, why you might get anxious, what you can do to help yourself, and when to seek help from a medical professional.

Autonomic Dysfunction

Profs. Sivan and Newton, and Dr McKeever, explain how to recognise and manage autonomic dysfunction (OI and PoTS etc.) in ME/CFS and Long Covid (Nov. 2023).

Cancer, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and ME/CFS

When diagnosed with cancer it can help to know how the various treatments are going to affect you and your ME/CFS.

Cognitive Dysfunction – Brain Fog

A key symptom of ME/CFS and Long Covid, it can be very frustrating, affecting memory and recall, word-finding, comprehension, reading, writing, concentration and other mental activities. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Cold Hands & Feet (Including Raynaud’s)

In this booklet, we explore problems with temperature control (also called disturbed thermoregulation) which are very common in ME/CFS and include sensitivity to both heat and cold.

Counselling – Your Questions Answered

We explain counselling and how therapy can help should an independent professional be needed to work through the understandable emotional problems that can affect people with ME/CFS and Long Covid and those who care for them.

Dental Care – Your Questions Answered

We help address common questions about maintaining dental hygiene while ill with ME/CFS. We also consider how to best manage mouth ulcers, anaesthetic sensitivity, and the role of antibiotics in dental practice.

Depression – Antidepressants & Other Treatment Options

We explain why suffering from depression is completely understandable when living with ME/CFS and consider the treatment options that are available.

Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS

We consider the similarities and differences between Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. Healthcare professionals can still be confused by the two conditions and we hope this information will make the distinctions clear.

Flu Vaccination and ME/CFS (2026-2027)

This leaflet is to supply you with everything you need to know about flu vaccines and ME/CFS. This information may help you to make an informed decision after speaking with your doctor, as to whether you ought to have this protection.

Interstitial Cystitis and ME/CFS

Interstitial cystitis is a poorly understood bladder condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms and seems to be more common in people with ME/CFS.

Lyme Disease: The Facts

In this leaflet we review the facts about Lyme disease. It is a serious infection that is spread to humans by tick bites. Chronic Lyme disease, while controversial, also displays similar symptoms to ME/CFS.

Medication – Amitriptyline: Depression, Pain & Sleep Relief

In this booklet, we explain how Amitriptyline was developed as an antidepressant, but is now used more commonly to help with pain and sleep problems that occur in ME/CFS.

Medication – Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Depression & Pain Relief

We discuss anxiety, depression and pain in ME/CFS, and how they can be managed. We feature the drug duloxetine and review the evidence for its use as a symptom-relieving medication.

Medication – Gabapentin (Neurontin): Moderate to Severe Pain Relief

We talk about pain in ME/CFS and how it can be managed. We feature Gabapentin, review the evidence for its use as a pain relief medication, and its legal status as a Class C controlled Drug.

Medication – Lyrica (Pregabalin): Moderate to Severe Pain Relief

We talk about pain in ME/CFS and how it can be managed. We feature Lyrica, review the evidence for its use as a pain relief medication, and its legal status as a Class C controlled Drug.

Menopause – Overview and Research in ME/CFS

We consider all aspects of menopause including diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments, and discuss the effect it can have on women with ME/CFS.
We also look at female hormone research in ME/CFS.

Orthostatic Intolerance

In this booklet, we discuss a key symptom in ME/CFS and Long Covid and explain what might be causing loss of balance and dizziness when moving about. We provide information on the main symptoms of Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and cover ways on how this condition can be managed.

Pain Management

Most people with ME/CFS will experience pain that will likely impact their functional ability and quality of life. We discuss the various types of pain and how each can best be managed. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)

We explain PoTS, why it affects some people with ME/CFS (and Long Covid) and how it can be diagnosed and treated. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a collection of symptoms that appear every month around the time of a woman’s period. We review what is currently known about PMS, how it can overlap with ME/CFS symptoms, and the various treatment options that are available.

Sensitivities, Intolerances, and Hypersensitivities

In this leaflet, we review common sensitivities, intolerances, and hypersensitivities that can occur in ME/CFS and offer management options and tips. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Stomach & Irritable Bowel Symptoms

Most people with ME/CFS report that they have stomach and bowel symptoms like those found in IBS. We examine the symptoms, explain how they should to be investigated, and discuss available treatments. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Stress & How to Handle It

We discuss the understandable effect that stress can have on people with ME/CFS, and we the treatment options that are available.

Thyroid Disease and ME/CFS

We examine thyroid disease, review the symptoms and overlap with ME/CFS, the testing that can be done, and the treatments that are available.

Covid-19: Long Covid & ME/CFS

This 2021 booklet reviewed the overlaps between Long Covid and ME/CFS, and explained how people with Long Covid can safely learn to manage their symptoms and any continuing disability.

Covid-19: Long Covid and ME/CFS – Are they the same condition?

This is a review of the key clinical and causative overlaps that occur between the two diagnoses. It explains how existing knowledge about the management of key symptoms in ME/CFS can be applied to help people with Long Covid until such time as effective treatments are available.

Covid-19: Reducing Risk of Infection

Written during the Covid pandemic, but with much information that is still relevant today.

Food Fact Sheet: Long Covid and Diet

This leaflet is written by the Association of UK Dieticians (BDA.uk.com) and the ME Association’s Hon. Dietetics Adviser, Sue Luscombe. It covers advice on foods that can be helpful for those with Long Covid.

Care and Support Plans

We examine the potential difficulties establishing ongoing care from the NHS. We feature a real-life example, include the recommendations for care and support plans and regular reviews in primary care taken from the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Caring for Care-Givers: Information and practical resources

Caring is vitally important but it can be quite isolating and, if you are new to caring, it can be hard knowing what to do. We understand the difficulties of being a carer and are here to help. As we find when working with people with severe ME/CFS, the carers were keen to share their experiences to aid and inform others. The information they provided and experiences they kindly shared have been invaluable in the production of this booklet.

Caring for someone with ME/CFS

Caring is vitally important but it can be quite isolating and, if you are new to caring, it can be hard knowing what to do. We understand the difficulties of being a carer and are here to help.
In this leaflet we hope to provide you with a basic review of caring for an adult with ME/CFS and provide some real-life examples based on community feedback.

CPD Training with MIMS Learning

This poster explains the CPD training course from MIMS Learning that has been designed to help healthcare professionals learn more about the 2021 NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

CPD Training with StudyPRN

This poster explains the CPD training course from StudyPRN that has been designed to help healthcare professionals learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and ongoing care for people with ME/CFS.

Diagnosis and Management in Young People: a Primer

This booklet was compiled by international experts including Dr Nigel Speight, Hon. Paediatric Adviser to the ME Association. It provides the information necessary to understand, diagnose and manage the symptoms of ME in children and young people.

Forward ME Briefing Paper: Clinical assessment of people with very severe ME/CFS

This Forward ME briefing paper on the clinical assessment of people with very severe ME/CFS was prepared for the DHSC and NHS England in relation to an action point in the DHSC Delivery Plan to explore the creation of a national specialist referral service for people with very severe ME/CFS who require hospital admission.
This briefing paper can also be used by people with very severe ME/CFS and their carers when they have to deal with health professionals and hospital services.

Forward-ME Position Statement: Spinal Surgery and ME/CFS

Forward-ME was aware that in 2020 major surgery to address possible spinal pathologies in patients with ME/CFS became a topic of interest for some people in the patient community. In a statement dated 30th September 2020, they provide their position on this subject which is fully supported by the ME Association.

Health Care Responsibility and Compassion – Visiting the Housebound Patient Severely Affected by ME/CFS

This is a very useful paper on how to visit and carry out home care for people with very severe ME/CFS. It contains some excellent and compassionate information and guidance for community health professionals from (nurse) Caroline Kingdon and colleagues at the ME Biobank.

Hospital Support Pack

This pack was designed to help you explain the care you need when going into hospital and features references to the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS. It was jointly produced by the 25% Group, AfME, BRAME, and the ME Association in May 2024.

Implementing the Care Act

Created in May 2015 for people with fluctuating, long-term conditions. Produced by Action for M.E., Arthritis Research UK, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, M.E. Association, MS Society, NAT (National AIDS Trust), National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Parkinson’s UK.

NHS e-Learning Modules Poster

NHS e-Learning Hub now has CPD modules on ME/CFS – this poster contains details and links and can be downloaded for print.

NICE Guideline on ME/CFS: An ME Association Summary

This booklet is recommended reading. It lets you know what to expect from the NHS and social care services with regard to symptom recognition, diagnosis, management, referral, and ongoing care and support.

Poster: ME/CFS Guide for Primary Care Professionals

A comprehensive infographic with expert information from Dr Charles Shepherd (Honorary Medical Adviser to the ME Association) to help primary healthcare professionals with diagnosing ME/CFS.

Poster: ME/CFS Overall Management for Healthcare Professionals

A comprehensive infographic with expert information from Dr Charles Shepherd (Honorary Medical Adviser to the ME Association) to help healthcare professionals with the management of ME/CFS.

Rethinking ME – A Report by the APPG

This is the official report from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ME that contains key recommendations aimed at increasing research investment and discovery, improving health and social care, and enhancing the lives of people with ME/CFS. It was launched at an official reception with the Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid in May 2022.

Suffolk Specialist Service: Documents for Healthcare Professionals

These documents from the Suffolk Specialist Service may be helpful for both healthcare professionals and also the ME/CFS and Long Covid communities as a reference point of how service providers could support patients.

Template: Immunisations as Possible Triggers

This letter summarises the evidence both for and against a link between immunisations and ME/CFS.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches

Due to a lack of any effective treatment in ME/CFS, it’s not surprising to find that many people turn to the alternative and complementary (ACM) health sectors for help with their symptoms. This comprehensive booklet covers a wide range of therapies and highlights treatments where there is good quality evidence to demonstrate that they are both safe and effective.

Essential Fatty Acids

Including EPA, fish oil, and evening primrose oil supplements. We consider what they do, how helpful they might be, and if they are safe for people with ME/CFS. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Muscle Energy Supplements

We consider exertion-induced muscle fatigue and examine the effectiveness of the supplements that are sold as being able to increase muscle energy. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Supplements – Myth or Miracle Cure?

We examine the scientific evidence supporting some of the claims made about the curative properties of supplements. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Treating ME/CFS: Including research into new and experimental approaches

When it comes to using drugs to treat ME/CFS, there is no curative treatment at present and none on the immediate horizon, but you can learn how to effectively manage the condition, and some drugs are available to help relieve certain symptoms. In this booklet we review what is available and how the different treatment approaches can help, while also considering potential new treatments that are being researched, and the overlap of treatments with Long Covid.

Vitamin D & Deficiency

Deficiencies and treatments. Sources and benefits. We examine vitamin D, consider if deficiency is likely in ME/CFS and how it can be treated. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Vitamins & Vitamin Supplements

We explain what vitamins and supplements are and if people with ME/CFS need them. You might also like to review the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS.

Vitamin B12 & Deficiency

This comprehensive booklet covers everything you need to know about B12 and ME/CFS, including what food groups are a good source of this vitamin, the benefits of B12, information regarding deficiency and possible treatments.

Bateman and Horne: American College of Sports Medicine’s CPET Guidelines

This is a useful summary from the Bateman Horne Centre in America on the pros and cons of using a two day cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in the assessment and diagnosis of people with ME/CFS.

MEA Illness Management Report (2015)

Details the ME Association position on the controversial graded exercise and cognitive behavioural therapies and explains why we support the activity management approach known simply as Pacing.

MEA Research Review: Mortality in ME/CFS

ME/CFS is rarely cited when compared to other causes of death in the UK; however, some aspects relating to people with severe or very severe ME/CFS may potentially make it a life-shortening illness. Written by Dr Katrina Pears, MEA Research Correspondent.

MEA Research Review: Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in ME/CFS and Long Covid

This comprehensive research review outlines the key biological changes that occur during Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) in many different systems of the body. Research evidence shows that the presence of PEM cannot be disputed, and is not due to inactivity or deconditioning. Written by Dr Katrina Pears, MEA Research Correspondent.

MEA Research Review: The role of Mitochondria in ME/CFS

An overview of mitochondrial research; explaining what mitochondria are, exploring the possibility of mitochondrial dysfunction as the cause of ME/CFS and offering other possible explanations.

Blood & Organ Donation in ME/CFS

We explain why people with ME/CFS cannot donate blood but how they can still donate organs after death. We also consider the importance of blood and organ donation in general.

Fundraising Pack

This booklet summarises the ways in which you can support the ME Association and help us continue our vital work to help more people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. Use it to inspire your own fundraising activities!

Leaving a Legacy

It is never too early to write a will, and including a legacy to the ME Association means that we can continue with our work, helping others, and investing in biomedical research to pursue effective treatments and a cure.

ME Connect – The Support and Information Service

ME Connect supports people with care and in confidence, and is here to listen, to validate, and empathise with any issues you might be facing. The service is staffed by a fully trained and supervised team, and includes a freephone support line, email service, and an online community on Discord. Read more in this leaflet.

MEA Book List

In this booklet, we’ve selected some self-help books, clinical guides, official reports, novels, and videos that may interest people with ME/CFS and those who care for them.

Membership – Excellent Reasons to Join!

A leaflet that provides some excellent reasons to become a member of the ME Association. Please also refer to the Membership page of the website. We look forward to welcoming you to the community!

Poster Pack: ME/CFS & Long Covid

A selection of 5 posters that can help raise awareness of ME/CFS and Long Covid. If you want to share them virtually or print them yourself, you can select the free PDF download option below.

Recognise ME – Leaflet 2

A PDF copy of one of the two leaflets that were displayed in around 3,000 GP surgeries around the UK, as part of the ME Association’s Recognise ME campaign.

Recognise ME – Poster

A PDF copy of the poster that was displayed in 3,000 GP surgeries around the UK, as part of the ME Association’s Recognise ME campaign.

Travel

Helpful tips for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid, including; planning your trip, choosing the right destination and accommodation, surviving the journey, travel insurance and pre-travel vaccinations, and travel checklists.