Do you have persistent, unexplained symptoms?
It could be Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus.
Have you developed persistent, unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and brain fog?
95% of Americans have already been infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), yet it often goes unnoticed in traditional medical practices. EBV is a common and highly contagious infection, and many people are exposed to it during their lifetime without it impacting their day-to-day health. It spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva, and can lead to mononucleosis or “mono,” and in rare cases, even cancer.
Unlike other viruses that are typically eliminated by the immune system, EBV can remain in the body and “hide out” or lie dormant until it’s reactivated, causing persistent chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and a host of symptoms.
How is EBV reactivated? What are the symptoms?
Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus can also cause autoimmune disease flare ups such as Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Psoriasis, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.
EBV can become reactivated with:
- Unmanaged stress
- Weakened immunity
- Inflammation
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Hormonal changes
- Toxins in the body
- Leaky gut syndrome
When reactivated, symptoms may include:
- Sore Throat
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Fever
- Excessive Fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Foggy Brain
- Enlarged Spleen
- Rash
Understanding Your Chronic EBV Test Results
Testing for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can be complicated. In order to get a full picture of the virus and any reactivated infections, there are four titers or markers that should be measured via a blood test.
IgG Antibodies to Early Antigen (EA)
The most important and often missed in traditional medicine, this titer can help differentiate between a past or current infection.
IgM Antibodies
These are the antibodies produced during the acute phase of an EBV infection. A positive IgM titer suggests a recent or current infection.
IgG Antibodies to Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA)
This titer indicates a past or current EBV infection. It is used to determine the presence of long-term immunity to EBV.
IgG Antibodies to Nuclear Antigen (EBNA)
This titer indicates a past EBV infection and the development of a long-term immune response.
Is it possible to treat EBV?
Although there is no natural cure for Epstein-Barr Virus, seeking functional or integrative medicine care is crucial to addressing the root causes of Reactivated EBV and managing associated symptoms.
Your customized Chronic Epstein Barr-Virus treatment plan may include:
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Forum Health uses advanced, personalized diagnostic testing to identify Epstein–Barr Virus and get to the root cause of Reactivated EBV and specifically tailor treatment plans to your individual needs.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation can trigger symptoms of menopause or autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hormone therapy can bring balance to the body and give it the right environment to control debilitating symptoms.
Major Autohemotherapy for Epstein Barr
Autohemotherapy is a mixture of medical–grade oxygen and saline that directly attacks the virus by preventing EBV from replicating in the body. At Forum Health, our providers utilize tools such as the HOCATT Wellness System and IV drip to provide this effective and revolutionary therapy.
Counseling + Nutraceuticals
Our experts can identify nutritional deficiencies that may have led to your Reactivated EBV and work to correct them through lifestyle modification and nutraceutical support.
Gut Health Optimization
The gut plays a crucial role in immune function, and a healthy gut is essential for preventing Reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus and managing associated symptoms.
Detoxification
Chronic inflammation is a common factor in Reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus. Our providers work to address the sources of inflammation in the body, such as poor diet and toxins, with a total detox designed to reset your health.
High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C
Vitamin C taken intravenously in high doses can help against viruses and bacteria and may have a positive effect on infection duration and reduce viral antibody levels.
Start Feeling Better Today
Reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus can be a challenging condition, but Forum Health’s functional medicine approach can offer hope for those struggling. By addressing the root causes of the reactivation of the virus, our providers can help patients restore balance to their bodies and achieve optimal health and wellness.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible to test for Epstein-Barr Virus. At Forum Health, your provider will use a blood test to detect antibodies, antigens, or viral DNA associated with the virus. The tests provide valuable information about the presence of the virus, the stage of infection, and the body's immune response to the virus. In some cases, other bodily fluids such as saliva or throat swabs might be used for testing, but blood tests are the most common method for diagnosing EBV infection.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is not an autoimmune disorder itself, but it can contribute to the development of certain autoimmune disorders. EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family and is responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as "mono" or the "kissing disease." In some cases, Reactivated EBV can trigger an abnormal immune response that leads to the production of autoantibodies, which are antibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues. This can result in autoimmune conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
There is some research that suggests a potential link between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and the development of Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid disorder.
Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and impaired thyroid function. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and more.
Some studies have found higher levels of EBV antibodies in individuals with Hashimoto's disease compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, EBV has been found to infect thyroid cells in laboratory studies. These findings suggest that EBV infection might play a role in triggering or exacerbating the autoimmune response that leads to Hashimoto's disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
There are certain connections between viral infections and hormonal changes that can impact a woman's health, including during the menopausal transition. The stress of menopause-related symptoms could trigger Reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus and influence the immune system's response.
There is an association between Reactivated EBV and thyroid problems, particularly autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Autoimmune thyroid disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and dysfunction.
Epstein-Barr Virus cannot be "killed" in the same way that bacteria can be killed with antibiotics. However, the immune system is capable of recognizing and controlling EBV infection. In most cases, the immune system effectively suppresses the virus, and the infection becomes dormant in the body.
Reactivation of the virus can occur when the immune system's control over the virus weakens, allowing the virus to reproduce and cause symptoms. This can happen due to various factors, including stress, inflammation, chronic illness, hormonal changes, environmental factors, poor diet, compromised gut health, and even age.