Turns out that, Infectious Mononucleosis complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7]! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

IM Symptoms are quite a bummer- the symptoms include, extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, swollen liver or spleen or both, rash [5-6]. And as someone who experienced IM let me tell you one thing, it really sucks!

The main purpose I told you all about IM is due to its possible complications.

Turns out that, Infectious Mononucleosis complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7].

Turns out that, complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7]. Yup! You heard well! Hepatitis is a medical condition and may be caused by other viruses than Hepatitis A B or C viruses. And it doesn’t end there, recently, EBV hepatitis has been described in patients without clinical features of IM [8-9].

According to a study, Hepatitis caused by EBV is common in IM, indicating that this virus is a relatively common cause of temporary hepatitis in children and youth [11]. And at the same time, EBV hepatitis can also affect an older age group of 60 year and more [10]. Therefore, diagnosing hepatitis should be done in all patients with unexplained hepatitis regardless of their age.

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12]. For more information click Here

The current available antiviral drugs on the market include aciclovir, ganciclovir, penciclovir, and their respective prodrugs valaciclovir, valganciclovir and famciclovir. In addition, there is cidofovir, adefovir and foscarnet.

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12].

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12].

But then, you must be asking yourselves, what is the difference between the two products?? Well, Novirin shares the same formula as Gene-Eden-VIR, while Novirin has higher quality, more expensive ingredients. These natural remedies target latent viruses as well, making them highly recommended for preventing viral infections.

Most medical problems are beyond our power and control, in contrast to prevention of infection and disease. In order to prevent further liver damage we must be aware of EBV symptoms and possible complications.

References

1. Fry J. Infectious mononucleosis: Some new observations from a 15-year study. J Fam Pract.1980;10:1087–9.
2. Leach CT, Sumaya CV. Epstein-Barr virus. In: Cherry JD, Feign RD, editors. Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 5th edn. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 2004. pp. 1932–56.
3. Henle W, Henle G. Epidemiologic aspects of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated diseases.Ann NY Acad Sci. 1980;354:326–31.
4. Sumaya CV, Ench Y. Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis in children. I. Clinical and general laboratory findings. Pediatrics. 1985;75:1003–10.
5. Cohen JI. Epstein-Barr virus infection. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:481–92.
6. CDC.org – Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis – Fact Sheet. Page last updated: January 7, 2014
7. Weinstein M, O’Hare B. Hemoptysis and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J.2000;8:760–1.
8. Canovic P, Gajović O, Todorović Z, Mijailović Z. Epstein–Barr virus hepatitis associated with icterus – a case report. Med Pregl 2006;4: 179–82.
9. Hinedi TB, Koff RS. Cholestatic hepatitis induced by Epstein–Barr virus infection in an adult. Dig Dis Sci 2003; 48: 539–41.
10. Vine LJ1, Shepherd K, Hunter JG, Madden R, Thornton C, Ellis V, Bendall RP, Dalton HR. “Characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis among patients with jaundice or acute hepatitis.” Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Jul;36(1):16-21.
11. John Odame,1 Joan Robinson, MD FRCPC,2 Nasser Khodai-Booran, PhD,1 Simon Yeung, BSc,1 Tony Mazzulli, MD FRCPC,3 Derek Stephens, MSc,4 and Upton D Allen, MBBS MSc FRCPC1,4 “Correlates of illness severity in infectious mononucleosis.” Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2014 Sep-Oct; 25(5): 277–280.
12. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Shingles Virus May Cause Deafness. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Did you know??? According to the CDC, “almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, in their lifetime. There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country”[1].

But what is shingles you’re now asking??? Good question!!

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the body. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles [1]. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of shingles increases as you get older [1].

A worrying fact regrading shingles is that Infected individuals may infect others without knowing it.

And it doesn’t end there, the virus may reactivate in the throat [3], potentially causing serious conditions in addition to the painful symptoms of shingles, such as facial paralysis.

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

While shingles isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be very painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles outbreak, while early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications.
There are various treatments currently on the market. For instance, Zostavax is a vaccine that may reduce the risk of developing a shingles outbreak, and decrease the long-term pain due to damage in the nerve caused by the virus. Yet, in adults vaccinated at age 60 years or older, protection from the vaccine decreases within the first 5 years after vaccination [1].

Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

There are also antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax or Valtrex. However, these medications, when effective, only shorten the time of the shingles outbreak. They are ineffective against the latent VZV virus [1]. In terms of natural treatment, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are designed to help the immune system target latent herpes viruses, including the VZV, and they have been clinically proven to be very much effective [2].

Medical research contains various challenges that scientists deal with on an everyday basis. Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal in order to prevent suffering from further patients.

References:
1. CDC.gov – “Shingles (Herpes Zoster)” – Prevention & Treatment. Last Reviewed on May 1, 2014.
2. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.
3. Myron J. Levin “Varicella-zoster virus and virus DNA in the blood and oropharynx of people with latent or active varicella-zoster virus infections.” Journal of Clinical Virology. Published December 2014.
4. The Merck Manual “Herpes Zoster Oticus.” Last reviewed in October 2012. Merckmanuals.com

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Familiar with those mornings when you feel blue or sad? It is a part of life, and is very common.

The good thing is that those feelings usually pass within a couple of days, only to help us appreciate our joyful periods in our life. However, when you experiences depression, it interferes with your daily life and causes you pain as well as for those who care about you. Depression is a common and serious illness [1].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

But before we begin, let me quickly remind you the meaning of a “latent infection”. A latent infection is caused by viruses found in the human body in a latent state. These viruses can remain dormant and hidden from the immune system for years, only to erupt later without warning [4].

So in a matter of fact, any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase viral symptoms, which, in turn, increases depression [5].

There are various viruses which cause latent infections, while the “famous” ones being herpes, and HPV, which also cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s).

But wait, It doesn’t end there, what if I told you that latent infections may also cause depression? Sound crazy, but according to various studies, it is true [3].

Herpes virus it mostly infects a type of cell called an epithelial cell.

For example, our skin is an epithelial cell. Once a person is infected the virus copies itself, and uses nerves to travel to the brain [7]. Once in the brain, the virus establishes a latent infection, kinda like “falling asleep” in your brain [4].

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

All these changes can introduce a vicious cycle that’s tough to break without treatment for both depression and any other diseases.
It is similar to entering a feed forward situation where any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase the viral damages, and therefore, increases depression [3].
The good news is that depression treatment is often a “two-for-one”, by treating the depression, you can also improve your overall health. If you or someone close to you are experiencing depression, talk with your doctor about treatment.

In addition to antidepressants and talk therapy, exercise may help.
The two-for-one treatment may work the other way round too- treating latent infections may help treating depression.

There are various treatments for latent infections, depending on type of virus you are infected with. However, if someone is infected by several viruses, it is quite a bummer taking several medications, each one for a different condition.
But wait, it turns out that there is a single treatment for all types of viruses- Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin which are natural antiviral dietary supplements.

Their formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract.

They activate the imune system and helps it target latent viruses more efficiently therefore, targeting all latent viruses occupied in the body.

To date, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are the only natural antiviral products on the market with published clinical studies that support their claims, making them safe to use! [6]
It is known that happiness is the best treatment for any condition. William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind” [8]. At the end of the day, our health and well being is only up to us, and under our own responsibility. A mans merit is measured by his ability to get out of difficult and tough situations in life, and deal with them.

References:
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
2. Chen MH1, Wei HT, Su TP, Li CT, Lin WC, Chang WH, Chen TJ, Bai YM. Risk of depressive disorder among patients with herpes zoster: a nationwide population-based prospective study. Psychosom Med. 2014 May;76(4):285-91.
3.Wang X1, Zhang L2, Lei Y2, Liu X2, Zhou X3, Liu Y3, Wang M3, Yang L4, Zhang L4, Fan S3, Xie P3. Meta-analysis of infectious agents and depression. Sci Rep. 2014 Mar 31;4:4530.

4.Villarreal, Luis P. (2005). Viruses and the evolution of life. Washington, ASm Press.

5. WebMD.com – Depression Health Center – How Depression Affects Your Body. Last updated on May 31, 2014.

6. Polansky, H., Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published on August 12, 2013. cbcd.net/Gene-Eden-VIR-Clinical-Study.php

7.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005) Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 2-3.
8. William James, US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 – 1910)

Genital Herpes caused by HSV-2, is a constantly and well studied virus which affects one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years, which would be one of the main reasons for pharmaceutical companies recognizing the need for more effective drugs against the herpes virus. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Sir William Osler one said that, “The desire to take medicine is perhaps the greatest feature which distinguishes man from animals [1].” This feature is reflected in the various studies conducted in order to develop new medications and vaccinations which are used to fight and prevent various diseases which normally affects our quality of life.

Genital Herpes caused by HSV-2, is a constantly and well studied virus which affects one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years [2], which would be one of the main reasons for pharmaceutical companies recognizing the need for more effective drugs against the herpes virus.

A recent study showed that an experimental treatment for genital herpes suppresses the viral infection better than another leading treatment currently in the market [3].

A recent study showed that an experimental treatment for genital herpes suppresses the viral infection better than another leading treatment currently in the market [3].

However, tests also showed that the new treatment caused dangerous side effects, which caused the FDA to hold the treatments clinical development. Moreover, there are no current vaccinations against genital herpes virus!

But then, treatment is very much required! But wait, here’s a thought. How about treating genital herpes with natural antiviral ingredients?

Apparently there are two natural antiviral remedies backed up by clinical studies [4], called Novirin and Gene- Eden- VIR. They activate immune response and target the latent virus, in an effective manner. However, their disadvantage is that it takes about 2 months until good results are observed. Therefore, in my opinion it’s best to start off with both conventional treatment in the market, such as penciclovir, acyclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir. as well as natural treatment.

References:
1. H. Cushing, Life of Sir William Osler (1925)
2. CDC.com – Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet. Last updated on July 1, 2014.
3. Medscape.com – Hand, L. Pritelivir May Be Effective and Safe Against Genital Herpes. Published January 16, 2014.
4. (3) Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.