Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Symptoms, Transmission & Treatment

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is one of the most common human viral infections. It is caused by Herpesvirus 4, a virus of the herpes family, and is transmitted mainly by saliva and other body fluids like blood and semen. This virus most infects children, adolescents, and young adults, though it can affect anyone.

In many cases, it remains asymptomatic, while in others, EBV can cause a viral disease called infectious mononucleosis, also called the kissing disease or mono. If left untreated, it can lead to complications which may affect multiple organs.

Thus, knowing the symptoms of EBV, treatment methods, prevention tips, and other crucial aspects is the best way to ensure positive outcomes.

Keep reading for detailed insight!

What are the Symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus may remain asymptomatic after infection or mimic the symptoms of the common cold and influenza fever in children. It is contagious during this period, and symptoms usually develop several weeks post-infection.
 

EBV causes symptoms such as :

• Soreness, swelling, and pain in the throat
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Fever
• Skin rashes
• Swollen nodes in the neck lymph area
• Appetite loss
• Liver and spleen enlargement
• Spleen rupture in severe cases

How Does EBV Transmission Occur?

The following is an overview of how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) spreads:

• EBV is spread by intimate contact. It can survive and rapidly spread in moist environments.
• This virus can circulate in the body for extended periods or a lifetime after the first infection, and can be transmitted even before any visible symptoms appear.
• It usually remains inactive in the body and may or may not present symptoms whenever reactivated.
   

EBV can be transmitted by the saliva of the infected person through:

• Kissing
• Coughing/sneezing
• Sharing food and beverages
• Sharing personal items
• Touching saliva-covered children's toys
   

EBV can also be transmitted  by semen and blood during:  

• Sexual activity
• Organ transplantation from an infected donor
• Blood transfusion from an infected donor

How is the Epstein-Barr Virus Diagnosed?

Diagnosing EBV can be difficult because its symptoms can mimic signs of other illnesses, like the cold and influenza. Some salient steps for diagnosis include the following:

• Your healthcare provider may conduct lab tests to detect EBV. These tests find out whether someone has the infection at present or has had it in the past.
• Lab tests include a blood investigation called the Epstein-Barr virus test for antibodies.
• EBV antibodies are chemical substances made by the immune system for protection against the virus.
• This blood test may have to be done again 10-14 days after the first one, since EBV antibodies may not be detected in the early stages of diagnosis.

How is the Epstein-Barr Virus Treated?

As of now, there is no cure for Epstein-Barr virus infection. Treatment involves the management of symptoms to reduce their intensity.

Some measures to manage symptoms can be :

1. Easing a Sore Throat

To relieve a sore throat and related symptoms caused by the infection, you can gargle with lukewarm saline water or suck lozenges.

2. Maintaining Hydration

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids like fruit juices and tender coconut water can help maintain hydration and lower fever.

3. Taking Sufficient Rest

Ample rest is needed during this infection to heal and recover the body and to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

4. Using Over-the-Counter Medicines

Taking medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen helps decrease fever and ease pain.

Symptoms usually subside in two to four weeks with treatment, though some, like extreme tiredness, can continue for a few months.

Furthermore, recent research shows that a drug named Dipyridamole may help prevent the reactivation of EBV in the body.

What are the Prevention Tips for Epstein-Barr Virus Infections?

You can protect yourself from infection by taking certain precautions that mostly include avoiding any contact with an EBV infected person or object.

Some preventive measures can be :

• Avoid kissing an infected person
• Not sharing food and beverages
• Avoid sharing personal belongings like a toothbrush with an infected person
• Using barrier protection during sexual activity with an infected person
• Maintaining hand hygiene that includes:
• Washing hands regularly before eating and after using the washroom.
• Washing hands after touching an object potentially infected with saliva. For eg, children's toys
• Avoid placing hands around or inside the mouth after touching any saliva-infected object.

What are the Complications of the Epstein-Barr Virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can lead to many chronic side effects that affect the blood, heart, lungs, and nervous system, to name a few.

These complications may be :

• Swelling of the heart muscle
• Higher risk for some types of cancers
• Spleen rupture
• Pneumonia
• Brain and spinal cord issues
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Infection of the sinus
• Pancreatic swelling
• Weakened immunity
• Swollen salivary glands
• Bacterial infection of the mastoid skull bone
• Multiple sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus infection can lead to chronic complications. Awareness of the ways of transmission is essential to prevent the infection. When infected, consult a healthcare provider for an effective treatment plan and to discuss safety measures for further prevention.

Preventing EBV infection is always better, but in case of serious complications, dependable health insurance may be needed to cover the treatment costs.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for a wide range of diseases, including complications caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, under specific terms and conditions. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

Call now for further assistance!