A Prospective Study of Tender Points and Fibromyalgia During and After an Acute Viral Infection

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Abstract
FIBROMYALGIA (FM) is a nonarticular rheumatic condition characterized by widespread pain, multiple tender points (TPs) at specific musculoskeletal sites,1 and significant functional impairment. It accounts for 15% of rheumatology clinic visits, comprises up to 5% of primary care appointments, and has a prevalence of 2% in the general population.2,3 Indeed, persons with FM use more allopathic and alternative health resources, incur greater medical expenses, and have higher unemployment rates than the general population.4-9 Although FM is associated with well-recognized occupational, social, and familial dysfunction4-10 and can be diagnosed using explicit, validated criteria published by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR),1 its cause is not well understood.