Can Epstein-Barr Virus Cause Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

As mentioned 9 in 10 adults had been infected with EBV. This means 90% of adults have EBV lying inactive in them. Fibromyalgia patients, known to have a weaker immune system, are more prone to suffer from chronic EBV infection symptoms.

A study followed 50 fibromyalgia participants and suggested that the symptoms found in the participants are typical of Epstein-Barr virus infection not of fibromyalgia. In the study, 54% had recurring sore throat, 47% had recurring rash, 40% had recurring cough, 28% had recurring low grade fever. Furthermore, half of the participants reported that their symptoms appear suddenly which suggest a viral syndrome. The study suggests fibromyalgia patients are at risk of chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection which could be the cause of the aforementioned symptoms common in fibromyalgia.

If you think that EBV may be causing your symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will send you for an EBV test. He can also prescribe you with the necessary medications to help manage any EBV infection.

How To Treat Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for EBV. Furthermore, the prevalence of the virus in humans means that it is difficult to prevent yourself from being infected by other people. Hence, the best way to treat EBV infection is to treat and manage its symptoms as you would with a cold. Get the necessary medications for sore throat and fever. Rest to recuperate. Do not overwork yourself as it would only worsen your symptoms and trigger a fibromyalgia flare. Keep yourself hydrated and eat well.