I'm someone who has suffered from post-viral ME/CFS, so I know how devastating it is. However, there isn't any evidence that EBV reactivation causes symptoms. (Initial mono infection is different).
- multiple studies in ME/CFS patients, even ones with EBV reactivation, show that antivirals aren't helpful.
- students studying for exams and astronauts have high EBV titers (signifying reactivation), but they don't have any kind of ME/CFS symptoms.
EBV reactivation is just a symptom, caused by stress. It doesn't seem to be central to the illness itself.
Now we need to expand on what “stress” can cover, for the very diverse set of humans on this planet (it’s a long list - even just being too warm or cold for too long!).
Also, I mentioned pretty specifically why it’s pretty difficult, even in retrospective studies, to link the symptom with the Active status in blood work - were you uncompelled by this, disagree for some reason?
Yes, but to do this, first:
- find a doctor that “believes” post EBV infection problems are even real
- wait 2-5 weeks for appointment and prescription for blood work
- get laughed at when it shows Undetected again
- prepare for next bout of illness some weeks or months later
This is the failure mode for many EBV patients, especially those dealing with other opportunistic infections at the same time.