Epstein-Barr virus is a common herpes virus spread through bodily fluids, mainly saliva, leading to mononucleosis and, in rare cases, cancer. The virus attaches to lymphocyte B cells (aka white blood cells) that help fight infections. As the virus attaches, the cells cannot fight infection properly and symptoms arise. While most cases don’t cause symptoms, the Epstein-Barr virus, in some cases, can cause infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as mono), especially in young adults and adolescents. Mononucleosis (also known as the “Kissing Disease”) is often used interchangeably when referring to the Epstein-Barr virus, although mono is a viral infection caused by the virus.
Causes, Remedies, and Precautions
This virus, although it may seem scary, is widespread, and about 95% of Americans are infected with it by age 35. Young adults and adolescents are most likely to contract Epstein-Barr virus and experience infectious mononucleosis. While Epstein-Barr is one of the most common viruses that people catch, it is not spread by a simple cough or sneeze. This virus is transferred via saliva through kissing, sharing food or drinks, and sharing cups or utensils. Epstein-Barr virus can also be spread through blood and other bodily fluids, which means blood transfusions and organ transplants can also spread the virus. While the virus stays in your body in an inactive state, it can be reactivated due to stress, weak immune system, or hormonal changes (such as menopause).
The incubation period for mononucleosis is about four to six weeks, meaning many infected individuals may not experience symptoms until four to six weeks after initial exposure. Those who get mono from EBV may suffer from symptoms including extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, swelling in the liver, spleen, or both, and body aches. Symptoms such as fever and a sore throat may remain for only a couple of weeks, but fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a swollen spleen can last from a few weeks to several months. The main lingering symptom of mononucleosis is extreme tiredness, which may stick around for months.
The Epstein-Barr virus has no cure or specific treatment. To ease symptoms, affected individuals should get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications for pain and/or fever. Additionally, since mononucleosis is known to cause enlargement of the spleen, it is recommended to avoid contact sports and strenuous activities to prevent splenic rupture.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent the risk of Epstein-Barr virus. Besides the typical “wash your hands,” there’s not much else to advise for the prevention of Epstein-Barr virus besides avoiding any transfer of saliva with someone who is infected (sharing food/drink with others, etc). To prevent recurring symptoms after having the virus, it is crucial to maintain a healthy and relatively stress-free lifestyle.
Other Facts
A not-so-fun fact about the Epstein-Barr virus is that it remains in the body in a dormant state for life. Due to that fact, one concern regarding this virus may be its effects on pregnancy. Those who develop mononucleosis from Epstein-Barr virus while pregnant typically do not experience complications. Although there is a chance that the virus may be passed on to the developing fetus or a breastfeeding baby, most babies do not experience mononucleosis symptoms.
Interesting News
An intriguing finding in my research on the Epstein-Barr virus was its potential link to multiple sclerosis (Read more about MS here). In sum, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with no known underlying cause. Recent studies have shown that the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus infection and the development of multiple sclerosis is too strong to disregard. This discovery can aid the medical field immensely as it suggests that a vaccine or preventive measures against the Epstein-Barr virus can prevent multiple sclerosis. With this in mind, perhaps the virus isn’t as awful as it seems.
Resources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23469-epstein-barr-virus
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13974-mononucleosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ebv-vaccine-help-prevent-multiple-sclerosis