What’s All the Buzz About EBV?
If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve probably seen Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) linked to just about everything — from chronic fatigue to autoimmune conditions. Depending on where you look, EBV is either the cause of all modern health problems or simply the virus that causes mono (which most of us have been exposed to at some point).
So what’s the truth?
As with most things in medicine — it depends.
A Deeper Look: When Viruses Linger
Long before COVID-19 brought “long viral” illness into public awareness, naturopathic doctors were already treating patients with lingering viral effects. In fact, the idea of a latent pathogen — a virus that hides in the body and reemerges under stress — has been recognized in Chinese medicine for centuries.
We’ve all seen how differently people respond to viruses. Some bounce back quickly, while others take months — or even years — to feel like themselves again. This same pattern shows up with viruses like EBV and infections such as Lyme disease.
Why Do Some People Struggle to Recover?
It’s rarely just one thing. Factors that can influence recovery include:
- Your overall health and immune resilience
- Genetics
- Exposure to toxins
- Stress levels
- Other dormant viruses
When EBV becomes problematic, it’s often because the body was exposed to it in the past but never fully cleared it. The virus can reactivate, causing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and low energy.
I often see EBV reactivation in patients recovering from COVID — the stress of one viral infection can “wake up” others that have been dormant for years.
Here is a link to an article I wrote about Long COVID-19
Many people with EBV reactivation don’t even recall having mono. They simply have positive antibodies showing their immune system has been quietly fighting it in the background.
So What Can You Do About It?
When dealing with chronic or reactivating viral illness, an aggressive “kill, kill, kill” strategy rarely works. The key isn’t just fighting the virus — it’s supporting the terrain of your body so that it can naturally keep viruses in check.
Here’s how I typically approach EBV and related viral patterns:
Antiviral herbs — to gently support your immune response
Gut health support — since so much of immunity starts in the gut
Hormone balance — addressing adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones
Acupuncture and energetic medicine — to restore balance and create the foundation for deeper healing
When we strengthen your body’s resilience instead of waging war against it, the results are often more profound — and more lasting.
Ready to Support Your Immune Health?
If you’ve been feeling chronically fatigued, foggy, or “just not yourself” since a viral illness, it might be time to take a closer look at your immune resilience.
Schedule a consultation today to explore a personalized plan to restore balance, energy, and vitality — from the inside out.
