HIDDEN VIRUS triggering an epidemic of fatigue

Up to 95% of women harbor the ‘sleeping virus’ Epstein-Barr (EBV), which can trigger exhaustion when it awakens, says Jill Carnahan, MD. EBV isn’t cleared from the body like other viruses are. “Instead, it goes dormant and stays that way as long as our immunity is strong,” Dr. Carnahan says. But when the immune system is taxed, the virus can reactivate. And while findings in The Archives of Internal Medicine suggest EBV is the culprit behind 88% of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, depression and headaches, most physicians don’t check for it. That leaves women suffering for years.

Stress lowers immunity to raise the risk of EBV reactivation by 45%, say researchers in Japan. And other infections can deplete the immune system to give EBV an edge. In fact, a study in the journal Pathogens found that 67% of Long COVID patients tested positive for EBV.

Doctors can identify EBV reactivation with the aid of blood tests. Dr. Carnahan advises asking for Early Antigen IgG, EBV nuclear antigen antibodies (EBNA) and EBV VCA IgG. If results indicate reactivation, doctors often prescribe antiviral meds. But the steps below can fight infection to restore energy naturally.

Easing immunity-sapping stress is key. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to do something relaxing and enjoyable each day,” says Dr. Carnahan. Bonus: Reducing stress helps ensure you sleep well, and research reveals ample sleep increases the activity of EBV-fighting immune cells by 117%.

Supplements can help. Dr. Carnahan advises taking 2,000 mg. of L-lysine, an amino acid that keeps viruses from multiplying, twice daily. Also smart: Twice a day, take 1,200 to 1,800 mg. of monolaurin and 1,000 to 2,000 mg. of olive leaf extract, which blunts EBV’s ability to reactivate.