Hiya Gorgeous,
A few years ago, I went through a long bout of fatigue. And, I’m talkin’ bone-tired, 24/7 kind-of-fatigue. During that time, I did a lot of exploring “under the hood” with my Integrative, M.D. One possibility we looked into was the Epstein-Barr virus. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to talk with you about this incredibly common infection. Well, today’s that day.
What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is part of the herpes virus family. Other infections in this family include cold sores, herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Infectious Mononucleosis (aka mono or the “Kissing Disease”) is probably the most commonly-known way EBV manifests itself.
Infectious Mononucleosis, also referred to as “Glandular Fever” manifests originally with these symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Headache/body aches
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Enlarged liver and spleen
The symptoms of Epstein Barr Virus are usually mild. Because EBV symptoms overlap with other illnesses (sore throat, fever, rashes, etc.), children are commonly misdiagnosed with strep throat or another virus.
And, up to 95% of the population is infected with the Epstein-Barr Virus. The majority of these people are going through life as unknowing carriers. Typically, carriers are symptomless (the virus just hangs around—dormant).
EBV Becomes a Problem When it Reactivates and Attacks the Immune System
The problem is if the virus reactivates due to a stressed immune system (we’ll talk about that in a moment!), it’s a real drag. You’re exhausted, achy, and feel under the weather—all the time. Many people can be misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Are you experiencing fatigue that no amount of sleep, nourishing food, exercise, or caffeine can shake? Do you often come down with persistent “flu-like” symptoms? If this is the case and you haven’t been able to get to the root of the issue, you may want to look into EBV with your doctor.
Understanding the Epstein-Bar Virus from the Lens of a Professional
To help us understand EBV, I’ve turned to our fabulous friend, Doctor Aviva Romm. Aviva is a Yale-trained M.D. and Board Certified family physician, midwife, and herbalist who is focused on helping women not only heal their bodies and minds but transform their lives. She covers the Epstein-Barr virus in her popular book, The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution.
Now, let’s dig into my conversation with Aviva…
How is the EBV Virus Transmitted and How Prevalent is it?
EBV is transmitted through intimate contact, which includes “sharing” saliva (this can happen through drinking out of the same cups, kissing, or passing joints or cigarettes). It’s highly prevalent. As you read above, about ninety-five percent of people worldwide have been infected with the virus.
Other modes of transmission can include:
- Blood transfusion (blood is not tested for the Epstein-Barr Virus)
- An infant can contract the initial infection if the mother has the virus
- Food contaminated when someone is cut
- Bodily fluids through sexual contact
You can even be exposed to Epstein-Barr from coming into contact with toys that have been drooled on by an infant that has the virus.
Who is Most Likely to be Infected by EBV and How is it Diagnosed?
Anyone can become infected by the Epstein-Barr Virus. Symptomatic infections with mono seem to be most common in the late teenage years and early 20s. Most of us have been exposed and are asymptomatic carriers in our adult lives.
Women going through major life changes, including the death of a loved one, a major move, a job change, or menopause, for example, may be particularly susceptible to reactivation of the virus, and therefore a symptomatic infection.
To diagnose, your healthcare practitioner can do a simple blood test called a “Complete EBV Acute Panel,” which includes: Viral capsid antigen (VCA)-IgM, VCA-IgG, D early antigen (EA-D), and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA). They can also run a chronic infection panel.
What is EBV Reactivation and What are its Symptoms?
EBV reactivation can persist for months, much like mono can, though it’s usually significantly milder. Reactivation of the virus often happens in times of prolonged stress. Symptoms typically include chronic fatigue, aching muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes, and other persistent flu-like symptoms. It can also cause malaise and even depression. A physical exam may find a swollen liver and spleen, and liver function tests may be abnormal.
What is Chronic EBV Infection and What are the Signs and Symptoms?
While chronic Epstein-Barr is considered rare, the symptoms are similar to those dealing with reactivation and may be mild to severe. Liver and spleen abnormalities may not be observable or found in this case. Chronic infections occur when the infection remains persistent rather than going dormant, as it should when the immune system is able to keep it under wraps and you’d remain symptom-free.
There are a variety of chronic symptoms, some of which are:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Migraines
- Consistent fatigue
- Dizziness/Blurred vision
- Restless sleep
- Numbness of the hands and feet
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
There are many more seemingly unrelated symptoms associated with Epstein-Barr.
Is EBV Connected to Other Chronic Infections, like Cancer or Autoimmune Disease?
EBV has been associated with numerous autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lyme Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and is a trigger for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV is also associated with certain lymphomas (types of cancer affecting B-cells of the immune system).
Why Does EBV Cause Other Infections?
There are a few hypotheses as to why EBV causes other autoimmune conditions:
Bystander Activation
Also known as the “Bystander Effect,” this happens when the immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells alongside the virus. The virus can also lead to the activation of immune cells that attack the body itself.
Molecular Mimicry
Molecular mimicry occurs when your immune system attacks the virus. Some of your tissues may mimic the molecular structure of the virus, which can confuse the immune system, leading it to attack healthy tissue.
Dysregulation in the Immune System
If your body is constantly combating viral infections, it can activate the adrenal glands and lead to adrenal fatigue. In turn, this can lead to immune dysfunction.
Autoimmune conditions are on the rise and it appears that EBV can be linked to decreased immune function.
Hi Kris, I had Mono as a teenager – around 13 or 14 years old – and was really sick for about 6 weeks. After graduate school, I was diagnosed with chronic EBV. I was 35. It has been a nightmare to find the right practitioner to help me navigate the health issues that have followed. I became a health coach, started working with holistic practitioners, and, through experimentation, I’ve found that many of the suggestions from Dr. Romm are helpful for me. Thanks for bringing attention to this issue. So many people are affected and left without answers when their healthcare providers aren’t knowledgeable or motivated to look beyond the obvious.
Forgot to mention that I take 500 mg of Berberine 2x a day for liver function in addition to the supplements mentioned in this post.
Thanks so much for sharing this! Aviva is doing excellent work. This also makes me wonder whether other conditions could in-fact be EBV. Is there a blood test to check whether EBV has been reactivated, or do you just go off of symptoms? I went through something very similar, but when they tested me for EBV they said the virus wasn’t active. However, my monocytes were elevated for months on end. Because I also had Lyme at one point, and I have Celiac disease (an autoimmune), the puzzle is a bit complex. Really appreciate you shedding light on this!! Thanks again for being such a help to all of us.
Sarena, Yes, you can do bloodwork for EBV: 4 tests: VCA-IgM / VCA-IgG / EA-D IgG / EBMA IgG
desperately, lonely ,dount, now anymore what ,to do people,dountf belive one.everybody think u lazy
Hi . I had blood test and came back with past infection EBV . I’m really worried and that affect my life . So do you think I can’t marriage forever? Please email me soon as possible thanks
If 95% of people are reported having it…! You can pretty much count on your future partner having it too. Something you can work together on! Keeping your immune strong and healthy ?
This is really interesting! I have a friend who has EBV, I just sent this to her! It will be really helpful!
I hav ebeen dealing with EBV for 8 years now. Initially, my doctor didn’t take me seriously and refused to test me and pretty much told me I was lazy, so I had to do anything to get in shape. I tried for about 9 months but I felt worse everyday. Eventually went to a different doctor, who then told me that I DID have EBV and that I had now overworked my body to such an extent, that she wasn’t sure what to do about it. I tried everything: from changing my diet, supplements, relaxation practices, guided exercise, but nothing seems to help. I have Always said that it should be a combination of all these things, but with no help (and support), it’s been tough. I’ll try out these supplements all together 🙂
Great info thanks. I have just been told that grains and nuts are foods to avoid with EBV. Do you know anything about this? Grains is a no brainier but.. nuts? ?
I have been working with an IFM doctor for the last year after getting really sick from a sexual assault. I have tested positive for dairy and gluten intolerance after a life long battle with digestive issues & removed those from my diet. I eat incredibly “clean.” I am on a slew of supplements to support my adrenals; after saliva cortisol testing showed I was in stage 2 bordering stage 3 of adrenal fatigue. The supplements weren’t enough. Further testing revealed that my thyroid is underfunctioning, though I don’t have Hashimotos. It’s simply because my adrenal glands are so “shot.” So I started Nature-Throid. But stomach issues continued and we found out my body isn’t digesting fat. I’m now taking a very strong pancreatic enzyme with large meals and that helps. But once the digestion was improved, I was still struggling with this horrible fatigue. In January, doctor tested for EBV and my antibodies are out the roof though I haven’t been recently exposed. DR said it’s likely I had mono as a kid and the dormant virus was re-actived through all the stress. I’ve been on a herbal regimen for the last 3 months. The first week I was having night sweats. The second week hot flashes began. By the end of the month, I was tolerating the hot flashes, so the DR put me on the full protocol that he has. Within a week, I was so sick I was throwing up. He had me stop for 3 days and restart at a very low dose one week, and go up. I’m also on copious amounts of vitamin C, D, and A. My periods are HELL and take EVERYTHING out of me. It’s the only time I actually sleep. I’m doing everything that I can to reduce stress/promote sleep. I’ve just had to increase the thyroid med because the herbal supplements have affected my system. I feel MISERABLE. The doctor says I now meet criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My psychiatrist just gave me a prescription for Low Dose Naltrexone, to help my immune system. She is currently pushing a low dose of adderral because I am practically house bound and lifeless. I’m a doctoral candidate, and I’m trying to keep up with all of the research behind what’s going on (western vs. functional medicine) to make informed decisions. Psychiatrist thinks adderral would benefit, but I’m afraid the stimulant will ruin the work we’re trying to do to restore my adrenal glands. I meet with my IFM doctor Thursday via an e-visit, because I can’t make it to his office, but I want to stop using the herbal supplements. I guess I’m wondering if this is how others experienced trying to get rid of EBV? From the main interview, it sounds so much easier and gentler than my experience. I’m going to ask about trying the Acycovir instead. In addition to all the supplements supporting my adrenals (which include items Aviva listed above), the anti-viral supplements my DR has me on include high potency Mitake, Citricidal Plus (Grapefruit extract with echinacea), and monolaurin, and L-Lysine. I don’t know what else to do…I’m desperate to get everything back in balance. I want my life back!
I’ve had very similar symptoms. Unfortunately, I have no answers. I just don’t like reading someone’s terrible experiences and not replying. I am going to see an Autoimmune Doc– perhaps a Rheumatologist? Good luck.
Perhaps try homeopathics rather than herbs. Someone told me that different treatments work for different bodies. You’ll have to find a naturopath that knows homeopathy.
D, I definitely know how you feel! I’ve struggled with fatigue and pain for many years only to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia back in 2009. I have tried just about everything and only a few things have helped a little. I’ve only learned in the past few years that I have EBV. The last time I got tested was in January 2020 and the numbers were off the charts! The test measures up to 750 and my result was >750 when anything above 21 is considered positive. My PCP looked at me, shook his head, and said, “I don’t know how you do it”. Function… He doesn’t know how I function. For me, it’s like waking up from a surgery and having to get dressed and go to work. The fatigue and pain is incredible. Today, I visited my biofeedback therapist who I haven’t seen in several years. She told me about a machine that will get rid of the virus in one or two sessions. I’ll have blood work done again in September, so we’ll see if that’s true. I don’t recall the name of the treatment, but I’m scheduled to have it tomorrow. I’ll definitely have more information about it tomorrow. If you’re interested in learning more about it, let me know, and I will give you all the information I find out.
EBV has several stages that can indeed affect people when they are particularly vulnerable, such as
when under great stress, holding on to chronic feelings of fear, anxiety, great loss, etc. Indeed, you must be patient with your healing process. It takes time to heal. Lots of rest is important. Other herbs and supplements that are helpful are vitamin B 12 ( as methylcobalamin and / or adenosylcobalamin, in liquid form, sublingual), Zinc, Cat’s Claw ( non- alcohol form), Nettle leaf tea, and Ester-C . Supportive
family and friends are important, and be joyful, have fun, & laugh often. Just trust that you are on your path to well being.
I need to find a naturopath here in Fort Worth, Texas. So far I haven’t found a doctor that gives me a treatment for EBV and it’s been over a year and I still have symptoms. I wonder if after a year it’s consider chronic EBV. If anyone knows of a doctor or naturopath in my area, please let me know. Thanks.
You can get homeopathic EBV remedies on Amazon. A place to start.
THANKS!
My mom went through a similar experience and she too healed herself through a natural process by an herbalist she got in contact with.
.She had dysplaysia and detrimental cancer stage 3c. Here she is a year later and she is cancer free. It was a lot of work taking those herbs but she did it without chem. Her Dr told her she’d be dead in a year, well with chemo she probably would have. Fight the fight and keep on fighting. I hope you all have babies soon, you’ll have to fight for them too. still have the contact of herbal Dr if you want to give it a try. Blessings.
Valeria,
Did you mean dysphagia, which is vocal cord dysfunction. And what is “detrimental cancer”? Where actually was her cancer in her body? Just curious
Kris,
Would any form of zinc be alright to treat EB V? I have zinc picolinate (22 mg) which I use for mercury poisoning, but just found out I have an active form of EBV. I have also found monolaurin helpful.
I have mono now for over 1 year and the fatigue is still very bad. For how long can mono impact my body?
Take monolaurin
And Natures sunshine ionic minerals
In May of this year, I was diagnosed with active EPV, by blood work. My naturopath told me to take lauricidin (an antiviral) along with Myer cocktails in the office (IV minerals). Because I began feeling better and I couldn’t go in for the IV for two weeks, I never did use them. Now my EBV infection is back in full force. My whole body hurts. The muscles in my legs feel non-existent. I am sleeping 12 hrs a night and spending most of my days in bed because I can barely move my body. Even sitting down on the toilet is excruciating. My lower back burns all the time. Has anyone here had any success with the five recommendations for herbs on this website? I have to be careful with herbs because there are some I don’t tolerate, but at this point, I am willing to try them. This is so debilitating for me.
Thanks to all for sharing your stories. My daughters and I are on this same journey. EBV has wreaked havok with our lives. Here’s where the magic is happening – I ask all of you for one moment to put your opinions aside and drink in this information. There are almost 3 million of us on the facebook page. When you are done exploring you will be hooked and know in your soul of souls this is true knowledge. It’s a great place to start to learn about EBV.
What is the name of the Facebook page?
Pam,
I would go back and get those Myer Cocktails. That’s what helped me heal from EBV initially. You may have to get a couple a week at first, and then taler down as your body heals. They were literally the only thing that helped me get better.
My Epstein Barr virus has been reactivated at 44 years old. I’m in my seventh month. I am up and down, and when I’m down, I should be in bed because I feel like I have the flu, but I have two young children and guilt for them to have a happy, healthy, normal Mom pushed me to keep upright. The fatigue and weakness is the main and worst symptom, but I also have swollen glands and a slight soar throat. My eye has started twitching, which I attribute to stress. I have always had a nervous stomach, but it has worsened with age. Staying away from sugar and eating fruits and vegetable has helped. I think stress is my main culprit, so I’ve added meditation this week. Since the third month of its onset (that’s how late I was diagnosed), I started coconut oil, licorice root, and hemp, flax, and chia seeds, and Burdock Root tea. I now am going to try your Top Five suggested above. I don’t want this to turn into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as I read it could do! I’m trying to stay positive, as the past seven months I had dips of sadness that I’m sure hasn’t help either. Thanks for your friendly and positive web site!
This is Tammy again, replying to my paragraph above because my main question is: How do I know if this virus will stay just a virus (that I realize may resurface) or if it becomes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia?
Flax is akin to wheat I was told. It makes me sneeze, so flax might not be helpful.
Just read all the comments and I truely understand what most are going through. I just spent the last 7 yrs going from Dr to Dr trying to figure out what was wrong for many years. Each Dr had me on a protocol that lasted months and many times I would improve but after two to three months I would hit a brick wall and start backwards. Very frustrating as I would be so hopeful I was healing. My main condition was my skin disease which two years ago was so severe, I would wake up at night tearing at my skin. I felt as though the first three Drs. just wanted me to go away. I began having death dreams. I really got depressed and thought I was dying. A friend referred me to a skin scientist after I was diagnosed with Mersa. He told me I had been misdiagnosed and had a virus and liver problem. I spent 21 days detoxing at his clinic with the assurance I would leave healed. Well, it was an amazing experience but I came away about 80% healed. I began to slide backwards again and found a natrapath in Clearwater who is brilliant and uses kinesiology and right away diagnosed my EBV. I had mono at 20yrs old, was hospitalized, and was told by my mother years later that the Drs. didn’t expect me to get through the night. This info, about my mono, was on every evaluation I filled out at every Drs. visit and no one picked up on it except the last Dr. That astound me in view of the fact that when I’m researching EBV, I find so many people suffering with it. I am now 66yrs old and working on finding my cure. I now believe it is possible to get there with the help of people who are committed to natural cures. But, it takes time and lots of adjustments in diet and attitude. Mainly, I’m getting my gut health back and my immune system stronger. Just understanding why and what is EBV helps me move in a much more positive direction. I also believe my disease has helped me move to a much more caring and compassionate place in my life. I think there is much more research to come on these autoimmune diseases and I’m looking forward to Anthony William’s new book on thyroid healing coming out in Nov.
Just read Thyroid Healing, by Anthony Williams.
His book is amazing and his protocol is working for my Hashimoto’s
Is helping our thyroids thought to help our EBV? I’m curious why EBV patients are reading this book? I have EBV and have been up & down for 8 months.
Hi Tammy. Anthony Williams has three books. He explains the EBV in detail and how to recover from many illnesses.
Before I read his books, I was constantly up and down. One day tired and in bed, one day up and o.k. Now I am up and out everyday. My energy is wonderful and my thyroid numbers are the best they have been in over 5 years – TSH 2.4.
Can you get EBV airborne without any saliva contact?
Aiden Lucas
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 3 years, and it was very painful some days. I was taken methocarbamol to relieve the pain. Sometimes it helps and other days it doesn’t. it was killing me for 3 years, doctor said there was no cure. So I tried to live with it and it wasn’t easy.My childhood friend introduced me to Dr George (Good health herbs home),Dr George fibromyalgia herbal remedy cured me within 6 weeks of usage ,am fibromyalgia free now 100%.
Hi! I’m not sure how long ago this was posted as I didn’t see a date listed. I just got tested and out of 6 tests in the panel, I tested positive for 4 of them. Not sure what’s the difference between all of them. You listed the names of the tests in the interview but didn’t eliminate on what each means. Do you have time to explain? You also mentioned the liver. My ALT and AST are elevated but all rest of liver panel good. How does EBV effect the liver? Would love to hear more, please teach!!
I had Epstein Barr in March, September and again now. I honestly do not know what more I can do to be healthy. I eat 80% vegetables and fruits and Go easy on my meat intake and dairy is non existent. I take many good brand antiviral herbs and have the money to utilize vitamin C infusions as well as energy medicine and I still struggle. My immune system isn’t responding. What does one do next?