Understanding Epstein-Barr Virus: Risks and Reactivation

Most of us have not heard of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) before. However, 90% to 95% of adults worldwide already have it in their bodies. You may be wondering if it can hurt us. The answer is yes, it can! Typically, it does not, but sometimes it will. 

EBV is a member of the herpes virus family known as herpes virus 4. It is found in humans all over the world, and it is the most common of human viruses. EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis. It usually shows symptoms within a few weeks and is over within several weeks. Nonetheless, some people have symptoms for months after becoming sick. Many people get infected as babies or children. Those who get it at that age typically show few symptoms, if any. For teenagers and adults, though, the infection usually does cause noticeable symptoms of mononucleosis.

EBV REACTIVATION

Why is this a problem if it becomes dormant in our bodies? Because it can reactivate! It can also become chronic. Stress, a weaker immune system, hormonal changes, and more can all be triggers for reactivation. So let’s think about this for a minute. We are dealing with a virus that 90 to 95% of adults worldwide have. It spreads very easily through any and all body fluids. It can reactivate through many of life’s circumstances, and it remains in our bodies our entire life. It sounds to me like this is a much bigger problem than we are led to believe. Let me explain a little. I want to describe what this virus does to our bodies. This happens once it enters its new host — us.

HOW EBV ATTACKS

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) affects human B cells, which make up part of our immune system. EBV attacks these B cells, which originated in our bone marrow, and takes over their function. EBV has extra protection from our immune system because it’s a DNA envelope virus with glycoprotein spikes. You can find out more about how it works HERE. Unfortunately, this virus can cause several different diseases and medical conditions. These include cancer and autoimmune diseases like MS or Lupus. It can even damage the thyroid, nervous system, and liver. More research should be done on this virus because we still don’t know how many crippling diseases EBV could cause.(1)

HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I HAVE IT?

If you think you may have an active Epstein-Barr Virus case, or a reactivated/chronic case, contact your physician. They should order the blood work to find out. If you do actually have it, you should know that modern medicine does not offer much to help. It provides little aid with reactivated/chronic EBV. They simply don’t know how to deal with it yet. I am not sure if anyone really understands it completely. I do know that nutrition will help more than nothing. A “whole person” approach, treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms, is beneficial. In my personal opinion, a functional MD can help you more with this type of virus.. A naturopathic doctor may be of more assistance as well. Both can order the right types of tests you will need to find out if you have chronic EBV.

CAN BIOFILMS INCREASE YOUR RISK?

If you read my blog about biofilms, there is a possibility that this plays a role in reactivated/chronic EBV. Chronic/reactivated EBV is serious and needs to be treated as such. It actually latches on to our B cells (part of our immune system) and mutates them. Naturally, it makes sense that we need to strengthen our immune systems. I do believe nutrition, rest, and addressing a whole body approach can only improve our health. If you are feeling run down and are struggling with this condition, then rest is your friend. You may want to consider light exercise instead of rigorous exercise. Rest when your body needs it. My own struggle with EBV inspires me to help others who may have a chronic/reactivated case as well. The only way to achieve self-help is to discuss it more. We need to bring it to the attention of people. I do feel there is hope of recovery. I would suggest working with a functional MD, functional practitioner, or naturopathic doctor.

Just remember chronic/reactivated EBV did not just happen by chance. There is a reason the virus did not remain dormant. The virus is in just about every adult, so our main goal should be to keep our immune systems strong. This way, we can keep it under control. Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise is a start. Just understand you are not alone in your health journey. I do wish you the best of health!