The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is in the herpes family of viruses, and is one of the most common human viruses in the world. By age 35, almost everyone has antibodies to EBV, indicating they’ve been infected with the virus at some point in their life — whether or not they’ve ever had symptoms.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Mononucleosis
EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, “the kissing disease” or simply “mono.” Its characteristic symptoms are:
FatigueHeadacheFeverSore throatSwollen lymph nodes
About 30 to 50 percent of the time EBV causes mono, but many EBV infections go unnoticed either because they don’t cause symptoms, or the symptoms are easily confused with other signs of infections. Teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable: At least 25 percent of them will develop mono.
Epstein-Barr Virus Causes
EBV is contagious and typically spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva and other mucous fluids. Blood and semen can also transmit the virus during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. You can get EBV by sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes with a person who has the virus. There’s no proof that disinfecting such objects will stop the spread of EBV. It’s thought that the virus can survive as long as the contaminated object remains moist. A person who’s infected with EBV for the first time can spread the virus for weeks without realizing they’re infected. Once you’ve had an infection, EBV stays inactive and dormant in your body. However, if the virus reactivates, you can potentially spread it to others, no matter how much time has passed since your initial infection.
Epstein-Barr Virus Symptoms
When symptoms of EBV occur, they usually go away in two to four weeks. However, some people may feel fatigued for several weeks or even months. Symptoms of EBV infection may include the following:
FatigueFeverInflamed throatSwollen lymph nodes in your neckEnlarged spleenAbdominal pain caused by a swollen liverRash (sometimes referred to as a “mononucleosis rash”)
Epstein-Barr Virus Diagnosis
Since symptoms of EBV resemble those of other illnesses, an infection can be difficult to diagnose. However, there are blood tests that can confirm whether or not you’ve been infected with EBV. The Monospot blood test, for example, checks your blood for the antibodies to EBV.
Epstein-Barr Virus Treatment
There is no treatment for EBV, but the following can help relieve symptoms:
Drinking lots of fluidsGetting plenty of restTaking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for pain and feverThroat lozenges
Examples of OTC pain relievers and fever reducers include:
Tylenol (acetaminophen)Aspirin, for people age 19 and olderAdvil (ibuprofen)Aleve (naproxen)
People under age 19 should not take aspirin during a viral illness (including mono or EBV) due to risk of Reye syndrome. While there is no vaccine for EBV infection, you may prevent getting it by avoiding kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items (such as toothbrushes) with a person who has it.
Epstein-Barr Virus Complications
In addition to mono, EBV infection can lead to a number of other illnesses and complications, especially in people with compromised immune systems. These complications include:
Viral meningitis, which involves swelling of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cordBrain swellingEye nerve swellingSpinal cord swellingParalysis of facial musclesParalysis on one side of the bodyGuillain-Barre syndromeSudden uncoordinated muscle movementSleep disordersPsychosesNegative effects on blood and bone marrow, creating an excessive number of white blood cellsWeakened immune system, leading to other infections
Epstein-Barr Virus and Cancer
Cancers associated with EBV infection include:
Burkitt lymphoma (lymphatic system cancer)Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (upper throat cancer)Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (lymphatic system cancers)Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (too many white blood cells after an organ transplant)Tumors, including soft tissue cancers and T-cell lymphomas
Other Conditions and Epstein-Barr Virus
EBV infection can also cause the following:
PneumoniaLung tissue scarringPancreas swellingHeart muscle swellingRaised, white patches on the tonguePus-filled tissue near the tonsilsSinus infection (sinusitis)Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)Lymph node swellingBacterial infection of the mastoid bone of the skull just behind the earSalivary gland swelling and injuryBlockage of the air passages in the nose and throat
