Everything You Need To Know About Epstein-Barr Virus

The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the herpesvirus family of viruses that infect humans. The spread and infection of this virus is so common that the probability of carrying it without even knowing is very high.

EBV  can often cause mononucleosis, which is commonly referred to as “mono”. Mono is a glandular fever that is transmitted by EBV. It can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, earning it the name of the “kissing disease”. Mono can also be transmitted through blood, semen, organ transplants, and blood transfusions.

Various studies have been conducted on the Epstein-Barr virus as scientists are trying to find potential links between EBV and other conditions, that include cancer, as well as other autoimmune diseases.

In this article, we will be addressing the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available for the Epstein-Barr virus, continue reading to learn more! 

Symptoms

EBV infection does not always cause symptoms in children. The symptoms are more likely to be visible in teens and adults. These symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, as well as swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged liver and/or spleen. More severe cases will include anemia, liver failure, nerve damage, and even interstitial pneumonia. The virus has also been known to lead to low platelet count, hepatitis, meningitis, and barre syndrome as well.

The symptoms may last two to four weeks, however, many patients feel fatigued for four to six weeks, some may even take months to recover. That being said, there are many reasons for the persistence of this virus in an infected patient, a medical consultation can provide a patient with a proper diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Diagnosis

Severe forms of infection do not need any kind of testing as a diagnosis is obvious. However, asymptomatic patients may request blood work to help detect the presence of antibodies related to EBV. Plexision, a cell-mediated personal diagnostic laboratory, has developed a cell-based immunity test to detect the Epstein-Barr virus. The antigen-specific T-cell test that measures the cellular level of immunity to EBV. Knowledge of immunity to the virus and therefore the risk of EBV related complications can be combined with available clinical data to plan appropriate treatment plans for the infected patient.

Treatment

Until now, there is no such vaccine or treatment for EBV. And naturally, antibiotics have no effect on these viruses. Physicians often recommend prevention as the best protection against the Epstien-Barr virus. Best practices range from avoiding the sharing of food and personal items to avoiding sexual activities with strangers. A patient that has been previously diagnosed with EBV symptoms is advised to avoid playing contact games to prevent the infection from spreading.

Those who have become infected  should focus on getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking the recommended  medications to alleviate pain and fevers. In rare cases, EBV can cause a chronic infection and it can even be fatal if left untreated. To test a patient's cellular immunity levels order a test from plexision.com

 

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