View source for Viral Infection - Chronic

== What Does It Mean? ==
Chronic Viral Infection refers to a persistent viral presence in the body due to an insufficient immune response. Unlike acute infections, where the immune system successfully clears the virus, chronic viral infections linger, often leading to ongoing inflammation, immune dysfunction, and systemic health issues.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Immune System Dysfunction – Weak or dysregulated immune response prevents viral clearance.
* High Oxidative Stress – Chronic inflammation and oxidative damage can perpetuate viral persistence.
* Nutrient Deficiencies – Lack of essential immune-supportive nutrients (Vitamin C, Zinc, etc.).
* Gut Dysbiosis – Imbalanced gut microbiota may impair immune function.
* Chronic Stress & Toxin Load – Elevated cortisol and environmental toxins can suppress immunity.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Fatigue and brain fog
* Recurrent infections
* Joint and muscle pain
* Persistent low-grade fever
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Increased inflammation markers

== Lab Test Findings ==
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen
|Positive (if autoimmune involvement)
|Negative
|-
|Basophil Abs
|Increased
|0.00-0.07 10(3)/uL
|-
|IgA, Serum
|Increased
|81.00-310.00 mg/dL
|-
|IgE, Serum
|Elevated
|90.00-220.00 mg/dL
|-
|IgG, Serum
|Increased
|800.00-1500.00 mg/dL
|-
|Lymphocyte Absolute
|Increased or Normal
|0.57-3.97 K/µL
|-
|Lymphocyte % 
|Increased
|30.00-40.00 %
|-
|Neutrophil: Lymphocyte Ratio 
|Decreased
|1.00-1.70
|-
|Neutrophil % 
|Decreased
|48.00-60.00%
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Managing chronic viral infections requires immune modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and targeted antiviral support.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Potent antioxidant support for immune function
|¼  scoop of powder without  food, daily
|-
|N-Acetyl Cysteine
|Enhances glutathione production, supports detox pathways
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|V-Pax
|Supplies key mitochondrial nutrients for immune resilience
|2  capsules without food, daily
|-
|Zinc
|Essential for antiviral defense and immune modulation
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|High-dose probiotics to support gut-immune balance
|1 capsule without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reduce sugar, processed foods, and dairy to minimize inflammation.
* Optimize Gut Health: Probiotics and prebiotics to support immune function.
* Manage Stress: Mindfulness, breathwork, and sleep optimization to regulate cortisol.
* Reduce Environmental Toxins: Minimize exposure to heavy metals, mold, and chemicals that weaken immunity.