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

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