Yuppie Flu

Yuppie Flu is an offensive and derogatory name for the disease ME/CFS used the 1980s onwards, particularly following publication of an article in Newsweek that referred to it as the "yuppie flu".

The accusation that the disease only affected yuppies (Young and upwardly-Mobile Professionals, young, high-earning city dwellers) was disputed in an earlier piece by Hilary Johnson in 1987 in Rolling Stone magazine.

There is an Italian music band called Yuppie Flu.

Examples of use

 * 2016, The Sun prints Action for M.E.’s letter criticising ‘yuppie flu’ headline
 * 2015, ‘Yuppie flu’ link to genes
 * 2015, Chronic fatigue breakthrough offers hope for millions
 * 2015, Proof at last that 'yuppie flu' is a real illness: Study finds chronic fatigue commonly seen among professionals is not just in the mind
 * 2012, ‘ME is no yuppie flu and people with the condition must receive help’, Editor’s comment, Gloucestershire Echo
 * 2010, The reality of living with 'Yuppie Flu' - chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
 * 2009, Getting over 'yuppie flu'
 * 2009, "Yuppie Flu" Isn't Just in the Head: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Virus
 * 2008, Top 10 'Yuppie' Health Conditions
 * 2007, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome No Longer Seen as 'Yuppie Flu'
 * 1990, 'Yuppie flu' tied to immune system Blood test may identify chronic fatigue syndrome
 * 1990, Chronic fatigue syndrome

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Chronic fatigue syndrome - controversy
 * Wikipedia - Yuppie