How to Treat Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an extremely common virus and is a member of the herpes virus family. It infects almost everyone at some point but most often does not cause symptoms in children. However, teens and young adults who become infected with EBV frequently develop mononucleosis. This infectious disease typically causes flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, a sore throat and swollen lymph glands. EPV remains dormant in the body indefinitely even after the symptoms have resolved.

Instructions

• 1

  Provide supportive measures for the treatment for EBV infections. Mononucleosis tends to resolve spontaneously within a few months, so the primary goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

• 2

  Relieve the fever and throat pain of mononucleosis with acetominophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen. Doctors may also prescribe steroids to relieve severe throat swelling.

• 3

  Reduce exercise in cases of mononucleosis. Doctors typically recommend a week or two of bed rest while the disease runs its course. Patients with mononucleosis may be contagious, so caretakers should implement standard sanitary measures such as thoroughly washing their dishes and utensils separately.

• 4

  Restrict activities in patients with a swollen spleen. Mononucleosis can cause the spleen to swell and these patients should avoid contact sports and heavy lifting to keep the spleen from rupturing.

• 5

  Use herbal remedies to boost the immune system. Typical therapies include two capsules of Astragalus membranceous twice a day or two capsules of Echinacea extract four times a day until the symptoms resolve.