Herxheimer or Herx Reactions are a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea, or other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of herxheimer reaction?

The Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction is the abrupt onset of fever, chills, myalgia, headache, tachycardia, hyperventilation, flushing, and mild hypotension 1–2 hours after treatment of a spirochetal infection with penicillin or other antimicrobial agents (Zifko et al., 1994).

How long does HERX last?

They should only last for 1-2 weeks, at the most. Managing the symptoms can help make the microbiome transition more tolerable but it’s always good to check with your healthcare practitioner.