The symptoms of a bad sore throat, cough, temperature and bad fatigue are typical of the acute, initial stage of the infection. It still sounds like your adrenals may be under stress so supplementing with magnesium, the B complex, vitamin C and fish oil may help
you cope better. Lots of rest and a pure fresh food diet are essential.

Hope this helps.
Elizabeth

I have been testing a weak positive for Epstein Barr for 6 months now (raised IGM for Epstein Barr). I think I had the full on virus in December 2010 as that is when I had 10 days of a really bad throat, cough, temperature and fatigue, after that I struggled with recurrent viruses and problems handling stress like bad headaches, dizziness and my periods stopping. This is what led me to get tested in July 2011 but my IGM for epstein Barr levels haven’t changed hardly any in 6 months and I still have problems with tiredness and trouble handling stress.

Looking back I had issues with handling stress on and off from about july 2010 which is 6 months before the first full on virus. Do you think it was likely the problems with stress caused the glandular fever? Or could the problems 6 months before have been early symptoms do you think?

Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your recovery. Your priority is to get your immune system balanced with some supplements like
vitamin C, zinc and essential fats. You will also need to repair your adrenal glands with nutrients like magnesium and the B complex. There is no harm in taking all of these supplements together in safe dosages. Before you take the immune boosting herbs like echinacea, astragalus or olive leaf it would be worth seeing a herbalist to make sure they do not interfere with your auto immune disease.

Diet does play a big part in recovery. A low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. Some anti-inflammatory foods and
anti-viral herbs will also help. If your symptoms persist you may need to do some liver cleansing in order to clear the virus from your system.

All these techniques are outlined in my e-book and have been used with good results by many patients who have had chronic EBV and autoimmune problems. With the e-book, you also get free email support for 30 days if you need further guidance on your individual concerns.

I hope this answers your questions.

Kind Regards

Elizabeth Noble

I was diagnosed with mono and strep throat in high school. In 2006, after pushing myself for 4.5 years to finish my schooling while I worked full time, I started feeling “off.” By 2008, I was very sick with an EBV flare up. I now have active EBV that is chronic as well as an auto-immune problem. I’m also prone to low vitamin D and iron levels. I had to visit an endocrinologist this year for thyroid issues as well.

At 43, I have now been in an active state of EBV for 5 years. Since the flare up, I have put on 40-50 lbs and this is something I struggle with daily. I am so unhappy with my health situation, but I simply cannot exercise like I used to. I am very interested in improving my immunity. I think this is the key. I know my diet needs a major overhaul and might possibly be one of the main reasons I became sick in the first place.

With regard to supplements, I have read a lot of varying articles that discuss a wide selection of supplements that can boost the adrenal glands and thus immunity. I’m curious if it’s safe or even wise to take them all. Some of the supplements I have read about include: licorice root extract, 2-3K vitamin C daily, vitamin B, MSM, magnesium, ginseng, zinc, echinacea, olive leaf extract and astragalus.

Is it safe to take all of these? I would be willing to invest in anything that might improve my condition, but only if it is not harmful to combine them. I currently take Acyclovir (sporadically); an antiviral that fights the (herpes) EBV.

Thanks so much for your input!

Lori

Thank you for your email. Sorry to hear you have been suffering from heartburn and throat inflammation. EBV is a possible trigger for your symptoms.

I think your priority is to optimise the function of your stomach and digestive system with the use of digestive enzymes, raw cabbage juice, slippery elm powder, glutamine and aloe vera juice. An antibacterial herbal cleanse followed by a course of acidophillus and bifido bacteria would be advisable. Focus on foods which are soft, easy to digest and nutritious. You may find steaming your vegetables or pureeing them into a soup is better than eating a lot of raw food.

To calm your nerves I would look at taking some magnesium, B complex and vitamin C. Manage your stress with meditation, yoga, gentle exercise and a good night’s sleep. It would be worth finding a naturopath or holistic doctor to guide you through all this.

I hope these ideas get you started.

Best Wishes
Elizabeth

just I turn to you in believe, that problably you will understand my issues, bcoz I am loosing my trust in Doctors here in Prague.

I contracted EBV in 6/2010. And I didnt recover still fully. Lymph nodes were achey aprox. half a year since initial stage, its OK now. Permanent tinitus in my ears I got used to. Anyway I feel good. Almost. Since February this year I have constant pain of my throat and heartburn which never goes away. It started after flu and never has gone away. Sometimes aches more, sometime less, it depends, but it is worse when I lie in the bed. I was many times tested for acid reflux – negative, I am after surgery of my glands – chronical tonsilitis – two months ago. Since than I dont have such huge pains of my throat. However the heartburn remains. Last bloodworks were fine, IgM negative, IgG low positive. Since I was tested 4 times with gastroscopy, doctors think thats its OK, I have probably CFS from oversensitive nerves, mucosas are OK – biopsy and throat I have more red than should be and this signs for chronical inflammation. I have gone thru lot of tests and EBV is the only I have. Doctors are considering giving me some antidepresant drugs to clam the nerves down. Is any real chance that I will recover from this kind of suffering and have a chance to get back to life I have known? What can I do for myself? Just I would like to find a wife and have a family but I dont really feel for dating in this habit.

thank you
Charles

Unfortunately I don’t come over to the US – my life is too busy here! I’m happy to answer any questions you have by email. I noticed that you have signed up for the mono membership site which comes with personal email support for 3 months (or longer if you still need it).

Elizabeth

I would recommend you get back on your high protein diet, manage your stress with the adrenal nutrients like the B complex, vitamin C and magnesium, plus do some graded exercise. Keep on the iron supplements until your iron levels have returned to normal. It would also be worthwhile doing a liver cleanse (which helps with both EBV and hormonal balance) plus get onto some hormonal herbs like dong quai, rehmannia and sage. Put your health first, not last as many busy mothers do.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth