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Epstein Barr Syndrome

Most people are susceptible to Epstein Barr syndrome, which presents itself in the form of a virus. For the most part, the virus does not cause any significant or lasting harm, however, there are occasions when it can contribute to serious illnesses. A person who has Epstein Barr syndrome may sometimes feel its effects for up to a month or more. Although some strands of the virus never leave the body, they become dormant for most of a person's life.

  1. Background

    • Epstein Barr syndrome is a virus that almost everybody has at one time or another. In the United States, it is estimated that 95 percent of U.S. citizens have had the syndrome sometime before their 40th birthday. The Epstein Barr virus can cause mononucleosis, particularly in young adult years. In fact, the virus results in mononucleosis about 50 percent of the time.

    Time Frame

    • The Epstein Barr virus is not something that goes away quickly or easily. In fact, a person who has Epstein Barr syndrome at a young age is likely to have the effects of the syndrome throughout his life, even though they will rarely be felt. The virus infects cells that stay dormant for most of a person's life, however, they can be reactivated. The reactivation is often the result of an illness that triggers the virus.

    Effects

    • In addition to causing mononucleosis in young adults, there are a few cases where the Epstein Barr virus can contribute to a person having Burkitt's lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which are two rare cancers not found very often in the United States. Although the virus appears to play a role in the occurrence of these cancers, its exact role is not known.

    Considerations

    • Although mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein Barr virus, it is not as contractible as some might think. If a person has had Epstein Barr syndrome earlier in life, he or she is not at risk of contracting the virus again. However, a person who has not been affected by the syndrome is at risk if he or she makes intimate contact with the saliva of a person who is infected. This can occur by kissing or sharing a drink.

    Treatment

    • Although some of the effects of Epstein Barr syndrome can be treated, the virus itself cannot be cured. There are no antiviral vaccines available. In some cases, doctors will prescribe a five-day treatment of steroids to keep down any swelling in the throat and tonsils. Steroids have also been reported to reduce the severity of the sickness as well as its length.

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