How can you know if your chronic fatigue is in response to a virus?

Published: February 18, 2013
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Dear Dr. Teitelbaum, My chronic fatigue initially began suddenly with flu-like symptoms. It has been over two years now, and my fatigue still persists with brain fog being my worst symptom. No matter how much sleep I get, I never feel fully refreshed, and if I get less than 9 hours of sleep I feel especially tired. I recently tried transfer factor and believe I got a die-off reaction as I had flu-like symptoms in the first week, specifically a sore throat, excess mucus, and worsened fatigue. Three weeks later I added in the Lauricidin supplement you recommended, and got the exact same flu symptoms yet again. I have been on a yeast treatment protocol with alternating Diflucan and Nystatin for three months now, but I don't see much improvement. I have been to many different specialists, and my labs show that my immune system is normal, but I have an increased number of NK cells. Is it possible that a hidden virus is to blame for my fatigue, and what do you believe would be the best course of action? Thank you so much for your help.

Answer

I suspect it is very likely a persistent virus that is contributing, and in my practice, given your history, I would be evaluating CMV and HHV-4 IgG levels and considering Valcyte if the level is over 4 (or over 1:320), as well as checking levels of IgG 1-4 subtypes looking for deficiencies, and optimizing adrenal and other nutritional issues. L&B Dr T

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.

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