There are many viruses that can infect the human body. However, some can remain dormant, whilst others can create symptoms within days of initial infection.
Epstein-bar is a virus that is a member of the herpes family of viruses. It is one of the most common of all viruses to be found in the human body.
For many individuals, it lives harmlessly within them, but for some, EBV can cause symptoms such as fatigue and fever. What is not fully understood is the role this virus plays in the development of other illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease and lupus.
Epstein bar is most commonly spread through saliva, and this is why it is commonly referred to as the kissing disease. An infection can also occur through sexual intercourse, organ transplants, and blood transfusions.
Even sharing toothbrushes or drinking from the same cup as an infected individual can help to spread this virus to others. It is thought that as long as there is moisture, such as in a freshly used toothbrush, then the virus can survive externally for as long as the moisture remains present. This is why sharing bathroom accessories such as toothbrushes, towels, and razors should be discouraged.
Those who are sexually active are at high risk of being infected with EBV. Kissing is a major route of transmission for this virus. Therefore, young adults can become infected and symptomatic from this.
Those who need surgery or other medical procedures, such as blood transfusions, are also at risk, as are drug users who may share needles.
Epstein-Bar virus is common and widespread. It is estimated that by the age of 40, approximately 95% of individuals worldwide will have EBV.
EBV’s prevalence can be attributed to its ease of transmission, which primarily involves direct contact with infected bodily fluids, especially saliva. Kissing, sharing utensils, and close personal contact are common ways the virus spreads.
It’s important to note that while many people contract EBV, not everyone will develop symptoms. Most individuals who are infected with EBV experience no symptoms at all.
The virus often remains dormant in the body and may reactivate without causing noticeable illness. This characteristic of EBV contributes to its high prevalence and ability to persist within the human population.
Considering the prevalence of EBV and the ease with which it is spread, especially among adolescents and young adults, little is still known about this virus in this age group.
There are no antivirals currently available that can effectively treat the Epstein bar virus. For many, this virus is kept in check by the immune system, but for those who go on to develop infectious mononucleosis, which is mainly caused by EBV, the approach here is to manage the symptoms as effectively as possible.
Getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever are usually the first steps.
For more severe cases, such as tonsillitis associated with the virus, hospital treatment may be needed, especially if the tonsils are enlarged and affect breathing and swallowing.
Recovery times differ from person to person, but more severe infections can linger for weeks, and even when many of the symptoms have improved or disappeared, fatigue can still be an issue further down the line. If this is the case, then some lifestyle changes should be made to reserve energy levels until fatigue eventually subsides, which is the case for the majority of severe infections.