How I’m Handling the Epstein-Barr Virus
I believe my reactivated EBV was triggered by an unaddressed Mycoplasma pneumonia infection, a co-infection of Lyme disease. The chronic immune stress from that hidden infection likely gave the virus the opportunity to reactivate and cause more symptoms. Addressing both has been key to my healing journey. The protocol I am using for this is in the Mycoplasma post.
I’ll be honest—I never really gave Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) much thought. Like many people, I vaguely associated it with mono and assumed it was something you got as a teenager and moved on from. But during a session with my kinesiologist when I went in with a very swollen and painful throat, I tested for EBV. That caught my attention.
Wanting scientific confirmation, I followed up with bloodwork. Sure enough, for the first time in my life, I tested positive on a Monospot test, indicating that EBV was active in my system—and likely playing a big role in my ongoing symptoms: fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fever, hot flashes, rashes, burning sensation in my skin, brain fog, and immune dysfunction. To determine whether or not I had chronic EBV, I did a full EBV panel.
Understanding My Epstein-Barr Virus Test Results
When I got tested for EBV, my bloodwork showed positive IgG and positive EBNA IgG (Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen). Here’s what that means:
Positive (VCA) IgG: I had been exposed to Epstein-Barr at some point in the past. This is extremely common — most adults have EBV antibodies.
Positive (EBNA) IgG: This indicates a past infection, but when combined with symptoms (fatigue, swollen lymph, immune dysfunction) and other stressors in the body, it often points to viral reactivation.
Since there is no “cure” for EBV, I focused on strengthening my immune system, clearing intestinal parasites that were adding to the burden, and eventually addressing a hidden Mycoplasma pneumonia infection. This holistic approach helped me support my body’s natural ability to manage the virus and improve my overall health.
Nutritional Support
L-Lysine — helps inhibit viral replication (balances arginine levels that viruses use)
Vitamin C, B-complex, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium — support immune function and energy
Monolaurin (from coconut) —natural compound derived from lauric acid, found in coconut oil, that has antiviral properties. It works by disrupting the lipid membranes of viruses like EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus), helping to reduce viral load and support the immune system in controlling the infection.
I’ve found that healing isn’t just about supplements and protocols—it’s also about nurturing the body and mind through movement and energy. Kundalini yoga has been a powerful practice for me, helping to release tension, boost energy, and calm my nervous system. Red light therapy supports cellular repair and reduces inflammation, giving me a gentle yet effective boost in recovery. And walking—simple, mindful walking—has become my daily therapy, grounding me and reconnecting me to the natural world as I heal.
Key EBV Blood Test Markers for Chronic/Reactivated Infection:
EBV Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) IgG: Positive
Indicates past infection (common in most adults).
EBV Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) IgG: Positive
Usually appears 2–4 months after initial infection; presence means the virus has established latency in your body.
EBV Early Antigen (EA) IgG: Often Positive or Elevated
This is the main marker that suggests reactivation or chronic active EBV. High EA IgG means the virus is actively replicating again.
EBV Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) IgM: Usually Negative
IgM positivity usually means an acute or recent infection; often negative in chronic/reactivated cases.
Unknowingly, at the same time I was dealing with reactivated Epstein-Barr, I was also battling severe iron deficiency anemia and an undiagnosed Mycoplasma pneumonia infection—which would take a few more months to uncover. Looking back, it makes sense why I felt so deeply unwell: these infections were compounding each other, weakening my immune system, and making even small daily tasks feel impossible.
How Mycoplasma pneumonia Can Trigger Other Health Issues
What many people (including doctors) don’t always realize is that Mycoplasma pneumoniae isn’t just a “walking pneumonia” bacteria — in chronic cases, it can trigger a cascade of other health issues, especially if your immune system is already under stress.
In my case, I later learned that Mycoplasma pneumoniae can:
Suppress the immune system, making it easier for dormant viruses like Epstein-Barr (EBV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) to reactivate
Disrupt red blood cell function, contributing to iron deficiency anemia
Create low-grade, persistent inflammation throughout the body — leading to fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, and more
Weaken the lungs, brain, and nervous system (especially if untreated or chronic)
For me, this infection was quietly fueling so many of my mysterious symptoms — and once I began addressing it directly (through herbs and holistic protocols), I finally started to feel a shift. Interestingly enough, the same herbs used to treat mycoplasma are effective against prohibiting the EBV from replicating. See my Mycoplasma protocol for that list!
