The Link Between EBV and MS: Everything You Need to Know
EBV is prevalent throughout the modern world, but new research is coming forward that could impact the Multiple Sclerosis community forever.
Epstein-Barr Virus, or EBV for short, is a virus that affects more than 95 percent of adults in the U.S. It can cause various illnesses and symptoms, some of which are particularly problematic for those living with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.).
A new study released in February 2022, EBV, has been linked to an increased risk of developing MS. For those living with M.S., this is a groundbreaking realization, and while the science is new, I’m going to dive in and explore what this means moving forward.
What is EBV?
EBV is a virus that most people encounter at some point in their lives – it’s widespread. However, for people with M.S., it can be a real danger.
EBV belongs to a family of viruses known as herpes viruses. It can cause illnesses such as mononucleosis (mono) or glandular fever. Most infected people don’t even know that they have EBV because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms. EBV is spread through saliva, which is why it’s often referred to as the “kissing disease.”
Symptoms tend to reflect those commonly found in flu and colds, including fatigue, fever, inflammation throughout the body, swollen lymph nodes, and so on, but very rarely is there any symptom that causes any issues.
Usually, infections last around two to four weeks, but EBV never really goes away.
It will simply become dormant in the body, and, for most people, this is it. However, due to lifestyle factors like diet, smoking and alcohol habits, exercise, sleep, stress, and so on, it can become reactivated.
How EBV Affects People with MS
In the new study, EBV has been linked to an increased risk of developing M.S.; while the data is new, this is some promising stuff. The survey was conducted on 10 million U.S. military personnel between 1993 and 2013 (a considerable data sample).
There is no known underlying cause for M.S., but it’s been long suggested that a viral infection, such as EBV, can trigger it. Since MS is an auto-immune disease, the body’s immune system is triggered by the EBV, which then attacks the nerve cells (often killing them), even when the virus is gone.
If you want to read the science, you can read the full post here, but the long story short is that active-duty soldiers had ‘a much higher rate of EBV’ in those who had M.S. than those who were in the control sample.
Out of 801 people who had M.S., only one tested negative for EBV.
What Does this Mean?
Well, quite simply, if EBV is at least a known cause of triggering M.S. in people, then this creates the need to prevent EBV infections from spreading.
Currently, since EBV is mostly symptomless and most people won’t even know they’ve been infected, it flies under the radar. However, if it is leading to more serious conditions like M.S., then work will need to be done to reduce and prevent the spread of infection as much as possible.
After all, the average cost of living with M.S. is around $88,500 and with 2.8 million people worldwide living with it (one million in the U.S. alone), this is very expensive and causes a huge number of problems with the general population and their immediate families and connected healthcare systems.
Prevention is always better than cure.
How to Protect Yourself Against EBV
The best way to protect yourself from EBV is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, avoid sharing food and drinks with other people, and don’t kiss or have intimate contact with anyone who has a cold sore or other types of infection.
It’s also important to get tested for EBV if you’ve been exposed to it. Early detection can help prevent EBV-related complications and allow your doctor to begin treatment sooner.
Conclusion
EBV is a virus that most adults in the U.S. have encountered at some point in their lives, and this new research will be very interesting to see how it plays out and affects the M.S. world.
Currently, there is no cure for EBV, and once you have it, you’ll have it for life. However, this newfound data might set in motion new research that could change this, so it’s well worth keeping your eyes open to see what happens next.
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