{"id":6275,"date":"2019-05-09T02:07:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T02:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6275"},"modified":"2021-06-09T07:44:20","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T07:44:20","slug":"14-symptoms-of-epstein-barr-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-symptoms-of-epstein-barr-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Epstein Barr Virus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did you know that about 90-95% of the world\u2019s population are carriers of Epstein Barr Virus? Just looking at how common the disease is, we realize how important it is to understand its symptoms and possible treatment. Most of the time, the virus just stays dormant in your body because your immune system works effectively to keep it under control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when your immune system weakens, whether it is because of stress, or another illness, the EBV can break free and multiple, causing a period of reactivation. Given how common the infection is, it\u2019s better to have a good understanding of the symptoms of a reactivation period in order to protect yourself and keep everything under control. As you age and your immune system gets weaker, the possibility of an EBV outbreak increases. EBV causes many symptoms that are commonly shared with other illnesses, making it hard to detect the root cause of the problem.
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1. Fatigue or Malaise
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Unexplained prolonged fatigue <\/a>is one of the most common symptoms of EBV reactivation. If you have been feeling tired because you are not getting enough sleep, it\u2019s understandable. However, if you feel like you have been leading a rather healthy lifestyle with a selective diet, but you just feel tired and low energy all the time for no apparent reason, it\u2019s time to look into the root cause of the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many conditions have fatigue as one of their symptoms, so do not jump to a conclusion if you experience unexplained fatigue. For most people, the condition could last for weeks, but in many cases, it lasts for more than 6 months. You will not be able to function properly when it hits you, because of the low energy level you have. You may try a different medication, but nothing seems to work. If you have gone to the doctor, and he still doesn\u2019t know the real cause of the issue, ask him about the possibility of an EBV test.
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2. Sore Throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Epstein Barr Virus<\/a> reactivation is often accompanied by a sore throat. It\u2019s a sign that your immune system is being attacked. The symptom can range from mild aching to mind-numbing pain when you try to swallow. If the pain gets unbearable, take some antibiotic pills that could work on the EBV. Your doctor will know best what works for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normally, supplements that contain vitamin C, beta-glucan, Lysin, or zinc can help your body fight off the virus faster and shorten the reactivation period. The sore throat will disappear after a while, but you can do something to ease the discomfort, such as drinking a lot of tea with lemon and honey or make more conscious food choices. During the period of reactivation, you become contagious, so make sure to protect not only yourself but also the people around you. Take a lot of rest and avoid crowded places.
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3. Headache
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Headache<\/a> is a common symptom that is seen in many health conditions, so it\u2019s not easy to know whether the headache you are having has anything to do with the EBV or not. If your headache comes with other symptoms commonly associated with EBV, you can ask your doctor for a definite test to detect EBV in the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people experience light headache, while others suffer from debilitating migraine that leaves them staying in bed not being able to do anything. When the EBV keeps getting back, it may get stronger each time, and your symptoms may get worse. Don\u2019t let your headache become a chronic migraine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work or live in a stressful environment, try to find ways to change it so that you can live stress-free. Your immune system will thank you for that. Get lots of sleep when having a headache and stay away from caffeine.
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4. Fever
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Epstein Barr Virus carries with it grandular fever. Not all people contracted EBV will experience it, but once it happens, it creates great discomfort<\/a>. The fever often comes with high body temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius. Do not try to cool down your body temperature without getting to the root of the problem. Your body raises the temperature as a mechanism to combat viruses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are having a fever, it\u2019s a sign that there is a battle inside, and that you could do something to help your immune system. Consider taking antiviral supplements that contain zinc, vitamin C, or berberine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These compounds have been known to help boost your immune system and inhibit the growth of EBV. Giving your body enough water is also essential. Water helps provide substance for your body to produce the needed fluids to function well, especially during a time when dehydration is high due to the raised temperature.
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5. Muscle Aches
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Muscle ache is a common symptom during an EBV reactivation period. You may experience aching that lasts for weeks or even months. The pain may interfere with your ability to carry out normal activities or play sports. If this is the case, take a lot of time to rest, and don\u2019t attempt any activity that requires too much effort on your part. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the pain causes swelling, <\/a>use a compression bandage to reduce swelling and help you feel better. You could use painkillers if the condition interferes with your sleep pattern. Before bedtime, consider doing some relaxing yoga poses that help you sleep better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the muscle ache does not get better after a few days, go see a doctor get the appropriate treatment. Muscle pains can be the symptom of many other conditions, so your doctor knows what tests to give you to determine the correct cause.
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6. Swollen Lymph Nodes
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Many people do not notice this symptom when they have an Epstein Barr Virus reactivation. Lymph nodes spread throughout your body, with the majority not visible. Some visible lymph nodes include those located on your neck, under your jaw, on both sides of your groin, or under your armpits. Despite being small, lymph nodes play an important part in transforming and filtering fluid in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is a virus outbreak, your bodily fluid contains a high number of viruses, making the lymph nodes<\/a>‘ job harder, and that\u2019s when swelling occurs. You usually don\u2019t notice lymph node swelling except for the visible lymph nodes on your neck, or under your jaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, swollen lymph nodes may result in sudden pain when turning or making movements. The best way to cope with this is to take a lot of antiviral supplements that will work together with your immune system in fighting off the virus.
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7. Sensitivity to Light
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Many people experience intense sensitivity to light when undergoing an episode of EBV reactivation. The condition may not be associated right away with the virus, so people may think there\u2019s something wrong with their eyes. Usually, a quick check-up with the optician will help clear any doubt. To protect your eyes, consider wearing sunglasses even when it\u2019s night time if even a subtle change in brightness causes your eyes to hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remain rested in bed and refrain from using your mobile or computer. Eat a lot of vegetables with a high content of vitamin A<\/a>, such as carrots. Use an appropriate eyedrop brand to lubricate your eyes periodically. If your eyes don\u2019t feel better after a week or so, consult with a doctor about possible solutions. The EPV reactivation takes a while to disappear, but your doctor may prescribe special antiviral and anti-inflammatory supplements that help speed up the recovery process.
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8. Shortness of Breath
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Shortness of breath is a somewhat serious symptom that is less common than fatigue or muscle pains. When it happens, you find it exhausting to do just simple daily chores like walking, sitting up or cooking. A weak immune system<\/a> gives the virus an opportunity to attack many organs in the body, your lung included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortness of breath is a sign that your lung is not functioning properly because of the virus. The symptom often does not occur alone, but together with other common symptoms like fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated for a long time, shortness of breath may result in pneumonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EBV reactivation, when occurring, again and again, could get worse over time, and eventually lead to cancer. It\u2019s therefore very important to follow your doctor\u2019s advice on how to keep a healthy body to keep the virus under control. A healthy lifestyle is what leads to a healthy mind and body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who experience an infection with EBV most often develop a fever. A fever is the body\u2019s response to the invading virus. As the body turns up the heat, the virus has less room to replicate, forcing it out of your system faster.
People with healthy immune systems may pass EBV with mild symptoms, but those individuals with weakened immune systems may have to endure the presence of the virus for years before it makes its way out of their system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fever occurs due to pyrogens attaching to nerves, signaling the CNS to turn up the internal temperature. However, while the body adjusts to the new setting, the patient may experience a lag that results in the development of chills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may shiver and complain that they are cold, even though they have a fever of over 100F. Chills subside after the fever breaks, and the patient starts to enter recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Sore Muscles, Aching and Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When pathogens<\/a> enter the body, the immune system goes into overdrive producing white blood cells and antibodies to fight off the infection. As a result, the patient may notice that they start to develop symptoms of body aches, aching joints, and muscular weakness in the limbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom occurs due to antibodies penetrating tissues to kill the invading virus. If you start to experience ache and pain, then it\u2019s a sign that your immune system is doing its job efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most doctors treat symptoms of ache and pain by prescribing OTC anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Administering pharmaceuticals for these symptoms is not necessary. In most cases, the symptoms of ache and pain subside as the body starts to win the battle against the invading virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the patient is dealing with EBV, they may find that they develop weakness in their limbs that limits the way they expend their energy. Bed rest and fluids are essential for recovering from the effects of EBV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Swollen Tonsils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with EBV infection may experience complications with their condition. As a result, they may start to develop other diseases related to infection with a viral pathogen.,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the more common complication s of EBV is tonsillitis<\/a>. When the virus responsible for EBV enters the body, it does so through the mouth in most cases. As the patient swaps body fluids with their partner while kissing, the virus enters the new host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the closest areas for infection are the throat and tonsils. Patients may find that they start to experience swollen lymph glands under their chin, and pain symptoms start to emerge as the tissues in the tonsils inflame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonsillitis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can present symptoms that intensify the patient\u2019s condition. Most cases occur either due to bacterial or viral infection. While bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics, the viral type may go away on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On rare occasions, some patients infected with EBV may develop a rash. Rashes are almost always signs of an underlying health issue, as is the case in this example. The rash<\/a> typically appears on the eyelids as small pink or reddish spots that are flat in appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rash can also occur in patients with mononucleosis that receive treatment with amoxicillin or ampicillin. This type of reaction does not necessarily indicate that the patient has an allergy to penicillin, but doctors may consider this when making their diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no cure for the rash, and washing it with warm water may increase symptoms of itching and pain. It\u2019s best to apply calamine lotion if the itching symptoms get out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, symptoms of the rash will dissipate as the infection clears, and the patient returns to normal levels of health. The outbreak does not leave any permanent scarring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, patients infected with EBV will pass the virus and make a full recovery from their symptoms. However, EBV is a tricky disease, with varying results of infection in humans. Factors like the health of your immune system play a vital role in the intensity and duration of your symptoms. Those people with weak immune systems may experience infections <\/a>that last for years on end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, patients may not present any symptoms. Instead, they become carriers of the disease. As a result, they can unwillingly infect hundreds of other people with EBV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most significant complications involving EBV infection occur in the spleen. The spleen is responsible for producing numerous chemicals in the body, and it plays a vital role in our health. The spleen acts as a backup for blood storage. People with EBV may find that the organ swells, it stores more blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, competing in or training in any form of contact sports may cause the spleen to rupture, resulting in a life-threatening situation for the patient. Patients should avoid any activities that put their internal organs in harm\u2019s way while they are recovering from the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

EBV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through physical contact with infected individuals and their body fluids. If you\u2019re traveling on the train and someone sneezes in your direction, you may breathe in their particles containing the virus and become infected as a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other high-risk activities that place you in harm\u2019s way of contracting EBV include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Having unprotected sex with multiple partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    People who are engaging in same-sex behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Females between the ages of 18 and 25-years old are at high risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Children who are attending nursery school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Parents of children attending nursery schools, as well as their immediate social network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    People who live in crowded environments, such as hostels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find yourself mentioned in any of the high-risk categories, then you had better take extra-special precautionary care of your hygiene<\/a> to avoid infection with the virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EBV can also spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Ensure that you discuss this with your doctor if you are undergoing any surgery in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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