I agree with your theory. I believe that EBV reactivation definitely correlates with LC. I have seen and hear too many people say it and read several research studies that correlate EBV with autoimmune diseases. I also believe that inflammation is at the root of many. I know that before I got Covid (twice) my life was extremely stressful. I got sober on 12/16/17. So I had years of trauma and I know that trauma and the stress response of adrenaline and cortisol are not good for the body. Adrenal fatigue may also be related. I had no idea, at the age of 47 (when I got sober) how to navigate the world, but was involved in AA and trauma therapy. I used to run and exercise to alleviate stress. So, my father was dying ( I had met his wife, twice and it was a terrible situation) but I stayed there for 10 days and was his "hospice nurse" essentially. I watched him take his last breaths. My partner of 28 years chose not to stop drinking and I had taken him to the ER 6 times due to cirrhosis, varicose veins in his esophagus, pancreatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis. Watching him kill himself was horrific. He was a wonderful, smart person and but alcohol killed him. I found him dead 12/18/23. There are many things I look back on before I got sick in 2022 with LC, 3 months AFTER I had Covid 19 the second time. I truly believe that my immune system was compromised due to stress. I was a person that NEVER got sick, never had a flu shot, never got the flu and now, this has been devastating. I tell myself, every morning, when I feel terrible (some days are not as bad as others) that I will take my medication (Vyvanse, Gabapetin and Cybalta with a 8-10 ounce glass of water mixed with Emergen-C) that I will be able to feel better in an hour or so, and I do except for some fatigue, tinnitus and brain fog. However, by the end of the day, I am completely spent. All this to say, the body, mind and brain (I believe there is a difference in the brain and the mind) are connected. I still have stress responses, triggers and my body goes into survival mode (cortisol, adrenaline) and I am working with my trauma therapist to become aware of this and to try and remember that I am not "running from a tiger." Also, journaling to figure out the thought and trigger of the response, and get down to that survival skill I learned (probably very young and in my addiction). Baby steps.

I have probably said more than you wanted to know. Having said all of that, I believe that your theory is possible and I also believe that there are other factors that apply as well. Thank you and if you run across any research studies or anything that, after reading my post, might apply, please post or send to me. I want to know as much as I can about this. It has turned my life upside down...but I am 7 1/2 years sober and have not had to take a drink over it. (insert profanity here LOL).