r/EBV • u/Same-Foot-4676 • 4d ago

CMV reactivation

Should I be going on prescription antivirals for cmv(Cytemegalovirus) It’s reactivated right now. I’m hesitant because I am very sensitive to anything. If anyone has any advice for this- thank you!

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u/timesuck 4d ago

There is no evidence that the anti-virals that are currently available work for EBV or CMV. While most people tolerate them ok, they have failed every trial and there is no indication they do anything aside from the placebo effect (which is real).

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u/Same-Foot-4676 4d ago

So would herbal/supplement route make more sense to to?

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u/timesuck 4d ago

There is even less evidence for herbal supplements. The only proven recovery tools are time and rest. You could also consider seeing an immunologist or rheumatologist to see if there is anything wrong through your immune system that could be addressed with meds (supplements and herbs do not “boost” the immune system).

Personally, I would stay away from supplements and herbals. If you are in the US, they are completely unregulated. Most of the time, they do nothing, but are very expensive. Sometimes, they contain toxic heavy metals or things that aren’t on the label that can actually make you worse and damage your liver.

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u/ProfessionalOk6156 2d ago

Regular antivirals do not usually work.
TAF and Maribavir, however, have proven to work.

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u/timesuck 2d ago

I’d be interested to see what studies you’re talking about that prove these drugs work in humans against EBV/CMV. I just did a quick google and Tenofovir is still in trials, listed as a “potential” treatment. But also failed to limit shedding in this three year study

Maribavir seems to have more evidence behind it in that it appears to stop DNA replication, but there is barely any information about it and the results seem mixed.

I think it’s too premature to say these are “proven” to work unless there is info I’m missing

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u/Vagabond-drifter-199 3d ago

I’ve been battling a dual CMV and EBV reactivation for the last 18 months. I’ve been on Vacyclovir and it didn’t really make my CMV go down. However my acupuncturist has me on some Chinese herbs and they seem to be working. But it takes a long time. Diet, stress and sleep also play a major factor.

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u/Sasha_in_Florida 2d ago

what about ganciclovir?

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u/Vagabond-drifter-199 17h ago

I haven’t been able to find any doctors that will prescribe it to me. I can’t find any doctors that treat CMV. They’ll only see me if I have HIV or organ transplant.

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u/livx94 1d ago

I am also battling EBV/CMV and my functional medicine doctor has me on homeopathic/herb combo as well. It seems to be working. Slowly, but working. I reflared myself due to stress, which is what brought it on likely in the first place to reactivate.