ME/CFS is a spectrum illness with people having different levels of symptoms and functionality. People with ME/CFS can move on the spectrum over the course of days/weeks/months/years.
Whilst symptoms and severity vary for every individual with ME/CFS, a broad categorisation can be made as follows:
MILD:
Are able to care for themselves but may need some support in domestic activities
May be able to work, but only at the expense of other activities
MODERATE:
Have reduced mobility and are restricted in all areas of daily living.
Mostly housebound
Likely to have given up work or education
Need rest periods throughout the day
SEVERE:
Unable to carry out all but the most minimal daily tasks
Mostly bed bound
Hypersensitivity to light/sound/smell/touch
Severe cognitive difficulty
VERY SEVERE:
Fully bed bound
May struggle to communicate
May need nutritional support (tube fed)
CAN BE FATAL