Since 2016, every winter I suffer from extreme fatigue, sore throat, general malaise. Each time it appears that the EBV and CMV virus are found in my blood for the 4th time. My GP claims that there is nothing you can do about it and that it is not harmful, but I find other information. So I read that it is associated with autoimmune diseases? It seems nothing can be done, but it is an enormous heavy burden to bear to suffer from this virus every winter for months … There must be something to do, right?
Answer
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belong to the group of herpes viruses. These viruses are able to establish themselves permanently in an infected body, without giving any symptoms. These symptoms sometimes return when the virus flares up again, and then begins to multiply intensely and possibly elsewhere. An example of this pattern are recurrent cold sores caused by herpex simplex virus (HSV) that has permanently established itself in the body. EBV and CMV can also flare up again, these are not repeated infections (certainly not with EBV, there are several types of CMV, which means that an additional infection is possible).
In an acute infection a lot of virus is produced, later this weakens due to a reaction of the immune system. This keeps the virus under control. With reduced resistance or illness, the virus can occasionally escape that control: think again of the occurrence of cold sores in HSV (hence the name). In the case of an acute infection, CMV and BVV can also cause symptoms that normally disappear due to the onset of immunity. However, the virus never disappears from the body. The frequency of flare-ups depends on individual differences and especially on general resistance and immunity.
In your case, the immune system appears to have a hard time fighting this flare-up. Indeed, there are no immediate treatments to avoid this, nor are any major complications to be feared. It is also not a sign of an underlying disease or serious abnormality because of the ban. Your symptoms are obviously bothersome. What you can do is certainly not to put your body to the test during that period so as not to weaken the immune system. This is possible through a healthy diet, sufficient rest and sleep, not smoking and a healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise.
Answered by
Prof. dr. Dr Bruno Verhasselt
Microbiology and Immunology
http://www.ugent.be
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