Many researchers believe that reactivation of infectious mononucleosis by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be responsible for long Covid. How can this viral disease – which is spread by saliva and causes fatigue, sore throat and fever – be treated naturally?
The viral infection infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family(1). As EBV is extremely widespread, the body is often exposed to it in childhood and adolescence but remains symptom-free, though infection triggers the production of protective antibodies.
But in the absence of such infection at a young age, the body has no immunity. Exposure to the virus later in life thus causes infectious mononucleosis, or ‘mono’, key symptoms of which include high fever, intense fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and headaches. Mono can also cause a particularly painful sore throat (2).
Transmitted by saliva and coughing, infectious mononucleosis is often referred to as the ‘kissing disease’ (3).
We know that many illnesses, including mononucleosis, frequently lead to post-infection syndromes (4-5). Since the pandemic, a number of scientists have therefore been looking at a potential link connecting interactions between Covid and various infections, and long Covid.
In a study published in the journal Pathogens in June 2021 (6), a group of researchers set out to test a hypothesis concerning long Covid. They theorised that the inflammatory response to infection with Covid-19 might provoke a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus, present in 90% of adults.
A reactivation such as this would explain the symptoms experienced by 1 in 3 patients after recovery from initial COVID-19 infection: fatigue, skin rashes, brain fog, etc.
Having indeed identified a relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and EBV reactivation, the study’s authors recommend the systematic testing of newly-positive Covid patients for evidence of EBC reactivation so that mononucleosis symptoms can be treated as early as possible and thus inhibit the development of long Covid and its impact on patients.
Since infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection, there are unfortunately no effective treatments (the few antivirals that do exist are not generally recommended) (7).
Paracetamol and anti-inflammatories are, however, often prescribed for symptom relief, especially fever and headaches. Rest and proper hydration are also recommended.
Whatever the circumstances, if you suspect you have contracted infectious mononucleosis, arrange to see your doctor for a blood test - the only way to obtain a confirmed diagnosis.
While no miracle cure exists for infectious mononucleosis, there are natural treatments that can help relieve certain symptoms and also support your immunity.
To combat the intense fatigue associated with mono, the ever-essential vitamin C is likely to prove invaluable, particularly in winter. For energy metabolism, the immune system, psychological function, reducing fatigue, etc.: vitamin C is your ‘go-to’ health ally. Doctors often recommend it to help their patients get back on their feet.
Similarly, vitamin D supports healthy immune system function, and supplementation is practically essential, especially in winter (8).
Supplementing with magnesium, which helps to reduce fatigue and supports normal nervous system and psychological function, has also proved invaluable in cases of overwhelming fatigue. Remember too that magnesium deficiency is particularly widespread.
Last but not least, Ayurvedic medicine has provided us a very useful adaptogen plant: ginseng. Helping to reduce fatigue, maintain vitality, and support both the immune system as well as cerebral performance and reactivity, the root of this medicinal plant offers solutions for multiple symptoms (9).
References
Keywords
71 Days
Como siempre estáis siempre ofreciendo alternativas naturales a los diversos problemas de Salud con un buen despliegue de información y una variada gama de productos. Y os felicito por el servicio de entrega que hacéis ahora que supera con creces el de antes.
Mariano Navarro Sanchez
71 Days
produits innovants, avec une composition claire
véronique de sainte marie
71 Days
Ravie et Très Satisfaite de Ma Commande et de Mes Commandes Très Bons Produits
Brigitte D.
71 Days
Produits fiables
jacqueline
71 Days
Tout est OK 👌
RICHARD Bertrand
72 Days
Bestelle das Produkt seit Jahren immer wieder ist echt super, Preis Leistung ist ok könnte noch ein bisschen billiger sein aber sonst ok
SONJA Hofbauer
72 Days
Excellent services
DIDDY Mohamed
72 Days
Livraison rapide
devouass
72 Days
Schnelle Lieferung. Gute Begleitung der Lieferung
SCHARWAECHTER Hans Juergen
72 Days
J’ai commencé à prendre les facteurs de croissance osseuse alors que j’étais en plein accès douloureux d’ostéoporose. Mon état s’est stabilisé en quelques jours puis les douleurs ont diminué régulièrement. Je pense continuer ce remède pendant quelques mois puis 1 gélule par jour et une pause etc..
Françoise Delfour
72 Days
Rapidité de livraison avec prestataire fiable ! Toujours impeccable.
Virginie
72 Days
Siempre buenas experiencias y cada vez más rápidos los envíos
Elsje Fokkelman
72 Days
Livraison rapide et en parfait état. Jamais d'erreur.
WUILLEMIN Sylvie
72 Days
J'ai trouvé rapidement sur le site le complément qui m'était nécessaire et la livraison a été très rapide. Merci.
Client
72 Days
Facilité pour passer les commandes. Délais de livraison tenus. Produits de qualité. Je suis cliente depuis longtemps et très satisfaite.
Alexandre PUBERT