Getting Epstein-Barr Virus Makes You More Likely to Get MS— Best Life - Best Life

Chan School of Public Health have published new findings in the journal Science stating that the majority of MS cases are associated with prior infection of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Establishing causation between Epstein-Barr virus and MS was particularly difficult, especially given that EBV is extremely common, while MS remains relatively rare.

To further complicate matters, the onset of MS symptoms typically begin roughly 10 years following an EBV infection, obscuring a direct connection.

"The risk of MS increased 32-fold after infection with EBV but was unchanged after infection with other viruses," the team shared.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the herpes virus family, and is also known as human herpesvirus 4.

It's considered extremely common, the health authority points out: Most people will experience an EBV infection at some point in their lives, most frequently during childhood when you're less likely to develop symptoms.

The health authority estimates that between 90 and 95 percent of adults have antibodies indicating a current or past EBV infection.

Following an EBV infection, the virus becomes inactive in your body, but remains latent in the B memory cells.

For this reason, the health authority suggests that you may be able to protect yourself "by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items, like toothbrushes, with people who have EBV infection." EBV is also known to be the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (colloquially known as "mono"), so you should take these precautions if you or someone you know has a known case of the virus.

"Currently there is no way to effectively prevent or treat EBV infection, but an EBV vaccine or targeting the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs could ultimately prevent or cure MS," said Ascherio.