From the Guidelines
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection commonly causes symptoms including extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, swollen tonsils, headache, skin rash, and abdominal pain with swollen liver or spleen, as noted in a study published in the American Journal of Hematology 1. The symptoms of EBV infection can vary widely, and many people infected with EBV experience mild or no symptoms, especially young children. In adolescents and adults, EBV often causes infectious mononucleosis ("mono"), with symptoms typically appearing 4-6 weeks after exposure and lasting 2-4 weeks, though fatigue may persist longer, as described in a guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases 1. Some patients with chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) may experience persistent and chronic symptoms, including prolonged or intermittent fever, lymphadenopathy, and/or hepatosplenomegaly, as well as recurrent or continuous debilitating fatigue, sore throat, lymph node tenderness and pain, headache, myalgia, and arthralgia, as reported in a study published in the American Journal of Hematology 1. The virus spreads primarily through saliva, earning mono the nickname "kissing disease." After infection, EBV remains dormant in the body for life, rarely causing problems in healthy individuals. If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, severe weakness, or intense abdominal pain, seek medical attention promptly. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with rest, adequate fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as recommended in a guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases 1. Avoiding contact sports is recommended until fully recovered to prevent potential spleen rupture. It is essential to note that EBV infection can be associated with more severe complications, such as lymphoproliferative disease, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as highlighted in a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of EB Virus
- Fever 2, 3
- Lymphadenopathy 2, 3
- Pharyngitis 3
- Hepatosplenomegaly 3
- Fatigue 3
- Meningoencephalitis 4
- Cerebellitis 4
- Guillain-Barré syndrome 4
- Myeloradiculitis 4
- Facial nerve palsy 4
- Hepatitis 4
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome 4
- Thrombocytopenia 4
- Aplastic anemia 4
- Acute renal failure 4
- Ulcerations 4
- Myocarditis 4
- Frosted branch vasculitis 4
Severity of Symptoms
- Symptoms can last for weeks and occasionally months 3
- Severe manifestations of infectious mononucleosis can occur, including CNS involvement, peripheral nervous system involvement, and hepatitis 4
- Rarely, complications such as upper airway obstruction can occur 5
Treatment of Symptoms
- Symptom relief and rest are commonly recommended treatments 3
- Corticosteroids have been used for their anti-inflammatory effects, but there are no universal criteria for their use 3
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir and ganciclovir have been used to treat severe EBV infections, but their effectiveness is debatable 4