How Can Viral Infections Cause Fatigue?
Fatigue is a complex condition. But chronic fatigue is just a symptom of one or more underlying causes. And viral infections can be one of them.
Common causes are stress, eating the wrong foods, chronic inflammation, toxins, lack of purpose and fulfilment, nutrient deficiencies, illnesses, medications or infections..
Virus infections are one cause of chronic fatigue that is often overlooked.
Many different types of viruses can cause with chronic fatigue, among others the Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, Human Herpes Virus and others.
There are different theories from various researchers and practitioners about the role of viruses in chronic fatigue. Some people claim that chronic viral infections are the central cause of fatigue and devote huge attention to trying to treat the infection.
Other experts say that these infections are mostly just symptoms, i.e. opportunistic pathogens that only cause an issue AFTER the person's health has already deteriorated.
There are widely varying opinions about whether treating the viral infection is actually an effective way to fix chronic fatigue.
Some people report great success and others report minimal to no effects of trying to treat these infections.
What really is the deal with chronic infections?
A chronic infection, whether from viruses or bacteria, fungi or parasites, causes chronic stress – and inflammation in the body, trying to rid itself from the pathogen.
(That is why we get tired when we have the “flu”, which is caused by a virus, too. It is a way of your body telling you it needs some rest. After we overcome the flu, the fatigue goes away)
This stress on the immune system can be one cause for chronic fatigue. So why then is one person affected by the infection ending up tired, whereas the other is completely unaffected?
Well as always, the truth is in the middle: yes, pathogens like viruses play a role, but it also is very important to support our body to deal with them.
What can we do to help our body?
Here are 3 main points:
- Eat a varied diet, whole foods, mainly plants…(I explained that in my book: ”Eating for Vibrant Health and Explosive Energy)
- Supplement, if needed (want a customized supplement plan? Make your FREE appointment HERE)
- Relax your mind and exercise your body
Want to learn how to fix your fatigue?
Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Dr. Christine Sauer
