Most people think of infections as something that happens acutely. The most common viruses that cause a common cold or a stomach virus often have a distinct beginning and an end. We are sick, get better, and move on..
However, in chronic infections, the pathogenic organism(s) persists – often in spite of or hidden from our immune systems – and contribute to diminishing health over time.
The common viruses that can contribute to this are Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), parvovirus, and others from the Herpes family of viruses.
As opposed to bacteria, viruses are living, metabolizing, and act like genetic machines that replicate and float in the body. They are sneaky and possess a keen sense of survival.
What happens normally to keep these organisms at bay?
The body has in-built immune responses to fight invaders through stomach acid, intact skin and mucus membrane or through specific proteins that kill a virus. If the immune response under-functions, the virus can get to the cells, hijack the DNA, and start to replicate itself. Just like animals and plants replicating themselves, viruses start replicating inside the body and cause viremia.
How do people respond to the viruses and why only certain people develop chronic illness?
People respond to viruses very differently.
In the majority of the population, an early onset of exposure may develop symptoms similar to having a cold or flu, which could normally run a course of two weeks. A robust immune system produces a nice acute immune response that allows the complete clearing of the virus from the system.
A second group of people might present differently than those described above. These people may be able to produce an acute response in the beginning, but it may not be sufficient to completely clear the virus.
Unlike the above two, a third category of people may not be able to produce any immune response to a virus which could be the result of a weakened immune system or other coexisting conditions.
When there is inadequate clearing of the organism from the system, the organism tends to remain dormant in tissues or organs. If there are periods of physical or emotional stress and trauma, the virus begins to re-activate and replicate causing unusual tiredness or fatigue. This set of people can develop bigger problems leading to chronic illness in the future. Emerging research supports the idea that persistent underlying viral infection, especially from the Epstein-Barr Virus, is at the root of many chronic ailments in autoimmunity-SLE, MS, and other chronic illness.
How can viruses cause inflammation and pain?
The uncleared viruses in the system might be noticeable by the immune system at times, which then decides to mount a war. However, the immune response may not be enough to mount a real attack on the invaders which as a result can instead cause inflammation. The slow ongoing inflammatory response leads to aggravation which can then affect muscles and joints. The individual may notice increasing ongoing fatigue at this time. A healthy person might even present with pain in certain already-injured joints and adhesions. In a chronically-ill person with existing conditions like autoimmunity, Fibromyalgia or Lyme Disease, will experience increased pain throughout the body including prior-injured joints.
Our bodies also have compensatory mechanisms through adrenal and other hormones that allow for unnoticeable pain and fatigue for periods of time. As these compensatory mechanisms begin to be exhausted and fade…Boom!! Now there is sudden onset of pain. Mitochondrial damage from the virus can result in more fatigue and susceptibility to other infections.
Joint pains from virus and bacteria present differently in otherwise healthy people and in people with chronic illness. It is important to check the thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones, and nutrient deficiencies.
What about Lab testing?
Various serum markers to different viruses can help identify active, ongoing or a past infection. In addition, your doctor will check for inflammatory markers along with a routine blood count. A throat swab might be required to rule out a strep infection. Assessment of nutrient deficiencies, thyroid, adrenal, and digestive health may be necessary.
Are there effective treatments to clear and heal ongoing viral infections?
Conventional Antivirals like Valcyclovir or Acyclovir might be useful in some cases but rebound symptoms with these drugs are a common phenomenon.
Maximizing the effectiveness of our own immune response is ultimately the best defense against viruses.
Fortunately, Mother Nature provides an arsenal of medicinal herbs to assist the immune system against viruses. There are various botanicals that may address different systems. A combination of individualized immune-enhancing, antiviral, adaptogenic, and antioxidant herbs and nutrients provide a potent combination to fight infections.
A few examples of these are Larrea, Lomatium, Licorice, Osha, cordyseps, and Siberian ginseng or antioxidant nutrients such as mixed carotenoids, Vitamin E, and alpha lipoic acid. Increased fluids, rest, and a wholesome organic diet, along with an individualized naturopathic plan to restore adrenal, digestive, and mitochondrial function along with symptom-based homeopathic treatments, can definitely provide effective healing and strengthening of the immune system.
Healing from viral infections can be a challenge; please seek help from a qualified professional who can provide individual strategies that are safe, efficacious, and well-tailored to help you on your path to complete recovery and healing.
Dr Radhika Kamat ND is a US-certified and board-licensed Naturopathic Physician. She received her Doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the reputed Bastyr University, WA, USA, one among the few medical schools in the country that offers specialized training in Conventional and Alternative Medicine. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India.
Her mission is to provide Compassionate, Committed and Comprehensive Naturopathic Care that integrates best of Natural medicine treatments with conventional and functional Lab testing.
Dr Kamat is currently based in Singapore and sees her patients at the Osteopathic Treatment Centre located at Tanglin Shopping Centre.
www.WalkWithNature.og
www.Osteopathy.com.sg
References
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4. Clark (2003) Treating herpes naturally with Larrea tridentata. International Larrea Medical Society. USA.
5. Levin, et. al. (2003) Multiple sclerosis and Epstein-Barr virus.
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7. 4. James, et. al. (1997) An increased prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection in young patients suggests a possible etiology for systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Invest Dec 15;100(12):3019-26.
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