In Part 1 of our series on Systemic Inflammation, we provided an in-depth overview of this persistent, low-grade, and widespread condition, highlighting its connections to aging, menopause, and stress. We described its broad symptoms – including fatigue, pain, brain fog, and digestive issues – and summarized its role as a contributor to multiple chronic diseases. Finally, the article presented various methods for measuring systemic inflammation in the body.
Part 2 of the Systemic Inflammation series explained how ongoing inflammation drives a wide range of chronic diseases and disorders, reviewed both common and lesser-known contributors, and provided action steps to help readers address potential root causes of Systemic Inflammation in order to promote lasting health and vitality.
In this month’s article, Part 3 in our series, we dive deeper into a lesser-known cause of Systemic Inflammation, Latent Virus Reactivation.
What Are Latent Viruses?
Latent viruses occur when viral RNA or DNA stays in the body’s cells after an initial viral infection, remaining dormant without causing any symptoms. This dormant state can last for years, and in many cases, it can persist for a lifetime without ever causing symptoms or recurrent infections. Latent viruses can evade the immune system and may go undetected by typical diagnostic tests.
Some viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex (HSV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV), never truly leave the body after the initial infection. Instead, they go “dormant” or latent, hiding within nerve cells or immune tissue, held in check by a healthy immune system. For most adults, these viruses remain silent for years, often without a single symptom.
What is Latent Virus Reactivation?
During viral reactivation, these dormant, latent viruses switch back on into what is known as the lytic phase. During this phase, the virus starts replicating again, potentially causing symptoms or spreading to other parts of the body. These symptoms can be similar to the initial viral infection, or a person may develop completely new symptoms when the virus reactivates.
One common example of this is the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. During the initial infection of the virus, a person experiences a chickenpox infection or varicella. Once the infection passes, the virus remains in the ganglionic neurons of the body as a latent virus. When reactivated, this virus triggers herpes zoster or shingles.
Examples of Latent Viruses:
Most people likely already have one, if not many, latent viruses within their body. In fact, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), responsible for causing mononucleosis (mono), is estimated to infect more than 90% of the human population worldwide. Common viruses that remain in the body in a latent state include:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- Human herpesvirus 6
- Parvovirus B19
- Adenovirus
Why Reactivation Happens More with Age:
After age 50, several factors including acute or chronic stress, illness, hormonal changes, declines in immune vigor, or even other acute viral infections, can tip the balance. This weakened defense provides an opening for latent viruses to “wake up,” beginning new cycles of replication and triggering a fresh immune response.
Well-documented reactivation triggers include:
- Stress (physical or psychological)
- Other Infections or Illnesses
- Mycotoxins
- Weakened/suppressed immune system due to diseases or medical treatments
- Viral, bacterial, or other pathogenic infections including SARS-CoV-2
- Vaccines, including CV-19 vaccine
- Hormonal changes
- Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation
- Physical injury or trauma
- Surgery
- Fatigue (severe or prolonged)
- Chemotherapy
Symptoms: The Hidden Face of Reactivation
Reactivated viruses rarely look like the original infection. Instead, they cause vague but persistent symptoms:
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Brain fog and cognitive slowness
- Muscle pain or joint aches
- Headache or neuralgia
- Low-grade fevers or night sweats
- Muscle weakness
- Poor concentration or confusion (brain fog)
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Increased susceptibility to other infections
- Difficulty in fighting off existing infections
- Prolonged recovery times from illnesses
- Autoimmune disorders
- POTS/ Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Loss of appetite
- Increased inflammation in the GI tract: Nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea
Biochemical and Immune Impact: How Dormant Viruses Fuel Inflammation
When a latent virus reactivates, the immune system is forced into a sustained high-alert state, producing inflammatory molecules (cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein). Over time, this relentless immune activation:
- Wears down healthy tissues
- Increases oxidative stress
- Disrupts mitochondrial energy production, promoting fatigue and tissue breakdown
- Accelerates Immunosenescence (aging of the immune system)
- Raises risk for autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive decline
Recent research connects virus reactivation with “long COVID” and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), sparking ongoing inflammation and multi-system symptoms.
Practical Steps: Minimizing the Impact
While not all virus reactivation can be prevented, supporting resilience is possible:
- Seek out help, as needed, from a Health Practitioner who is experienced in testing for latent virus reactivation
- Identify and address co-existing conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease) with a Comprehensive blood panel
- Prioritize restorative sleep and effective stress management
- Consume adequate nutrition, especially vitamin D, B vitamins, and magnesium
- Consider gentle exercise, which enhances immune function and reduces inflammation
- Use targeted herbs and botanicals known to be effective against all phases of latent virus reactivation
Key Takeaways
Latent viruses are common and in the presence of stress or immune decline, they can be hidden drivers of persistent symptoms and inflammation. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive measures can help mitigate risk and promote vitality at any age.
If you’re ready to go beyond just managing symptoms and truly understand the hidden drivers behind your symptoms, now is the time to take action. Don’t settle for dismissing your symptoms as “just getting older” or struggle alone with vague discomfort.
Reach out today to connect with a professional who can help you uncover root causes, interpret advanced lab results, and create a personalized plan to restore balance and vitality. Your well-being is worth expert attention—take the first step and invest in a healthier, more vibrant future.
by Kaye T. Collins, CNTP at greensandgenes.com
Kaye is a Functional Health Practitioner who utilizes her specialized training in latent virus reactivation, nutrition and gastro-intestinal health, the Bredesen ReCODE protocol, mycotoxin illness, detoxification, hormones, biochemistry and blood marker analysis along with the use of functional testing to create customized nutrition and lifestyle protocols to help her clients seek out and address root causes of systemic inflammation. For more information: https://www.greensandgenes.com/