Could Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Be the Cause of Your Ongoing Symptoms?

Written By Isaac Levon

Have you been dealing with any of the following?

  • Debilitating fatigue

  • Brain fog or memory difficulties

  • Sensitivity to stress or overstimulation

  • Recurring sore throat or swollen lymph nodes

  • Lingering Long COVID symptoms

  • A sense of "never fully recovering" after an infection

  • Unexplained muscle aches or joint pain

If these symptoms feel familiar, you may be experiencing a condition that is increasingly recognized in clinical practice: chronic reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

At the Eastside Natural Health clinic, we care for many patients whose persistent symptoms stem from reactivated viral infections—especially EBV. Understanding how this virus functions and how to strengthen the immune system is essential for restoring long-term vitality.

🔬 What Is Epstein-Barr Virus?

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a widespread virus in the herpesvirus family. Over 90% of adults worldwide have been infected—typically during childhood or adolescence. EBV is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis, or “mono.”

Once a person is infected, EBV remains in the body for life, lying dormant within immune cells known as B lymphocytes. Under certain conditions—such as immune suppression, significant stress, chronic illness, toxic exposures, or bacterial infections—the virus may reactivate, leading to chronic or cyclical symptoms.

🧠 Why Reactivation Matters

What makes EBV particularly challenging is its ability to hide and reactivate under immune system stress. Triggers may include:

  • Physical or emotional stress

  • Environmental toxins

  • Co-infections with viruses or bacteria such as H. pylori or Chlamydia pneumoniae

  • Major life events or traumatic experiences

Reactivated EBV has been implicated in several serious conditions, including multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. It can also mimic or coexist with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), another herpesvirus that may cause similar symptoms.

In addition, prolonged EBV reactivation can impair mitochondrial function, contributing to fatigue, poor cellular energy production, and slow recovery. Addressing this mitochondrial dysfunction is often a key component of long-term recovery.

💡 EBV and Long COVID

Emerging research suggests a link between EBV reactivation and Long COVID, with some studies proposing that viral reactivation may be driving persistent symptoms. Unfortunately, EBV is not routinely tested for in conventional medical settings, leaving many patients without answers.

 

🌿 Our Approach to Chronic EBV

Chronic EBV is not a condition with a quick fix. It requires a comprehensive, layered approach—including antiviral support, immune modulation, detoxification, mitochondrial repair, and nervous system regulation.

Healing is often nonlinear, with “flare-ups” that may reflect the immune system’s engagement with the virus. With the right support, it is possible to restore balance. Many of our patients report renewed energy, clarity, and resilience over time.

I would like to give credit to Dr. Paul Anderson who recently gave a continuing medication education webinar on this very topic!

Isaac Levon