Though research continues to show mixed findings, several more studies have shown positive for XMRV in CFS, including two in Europe (Spain and Norway). This suggests that the key is proper testing technology. This continues to help increase awareness and acceptance of CFS. Though current therapies can be very helpful, there is always room for improvement, and we continue to explore new therapies that are promising. The push now is to research different antiviral therapies and combinations in people with CFS.

Though the authors of the WPI cytokine study (see Immune Abnormalities in CFS — Two New Studies) infer that this confirms XMRV in CFS, I do not believe this is the case. It simply shows that in a CFS patient whose illness began with an acute viral infection, you will see a characteristic pattern in their immune lab tests. What I think the new WPI study does very well is to offer a promising new test for people whose CFS began with an infection. For those who are working with family members or insurance companies that still don't believe their illness is real, this testing may be very worthwhile when it becomes available.

This week I'd like to tell you about an amazingly simple but very effective tip for addressing fibromyalgia pain — a particularly timely one, as cold weather often makes FMS pain worse, and we're just heading into the winter months. The secret? Wool! Wearing long underwear made of wool during the day, and using wool sheets and wool pillowcases on your bedding, can dramatically reduce your fibromyalgia-related pain!

Vitamin E levels (serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations) were measured in 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 40 control subjects (Controls). Those with CFS had significantly lower vitamin E levels than those without CFS. The authors conclude "CFS [patients] had significantly lower alpha-tocopherol concentrations irrespective of coronary risk factors than Controls, suggesting the presence of increased oxidative stress in CFS."