Are Epstein-Barr and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked?
Are Epstein-Barr and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked? “My doctor says I test positive for the Epstein-Barr virus, but that I don’t need to be treated for it. When I go online, though, I find sites that say Epstein-Barr is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. Is the connection true? I’m concerned about going untreated, if so.”Answer: Whether or not Epstein-Barr and chronic fatigue are linked is still a gray area. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family, and it’s extremely common. Typically, it causes either no symptoms or a mild and brief illness, but the virus remains in your body, dormant, for the rest of your life. Some chronic fatigue syndrome doctors and researchers believe EBV or a reactivation of it can trigger chronic fatigue syndrome in people who are already predisposed to the condition. So far, however, research has not shown a conclusive connection in adults. In fact, the vast ma
