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Epstein Bar Virus & Symptoms

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus of the herpes family. According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), about 95 percent of people between the ages of 35 and 40 have suffered an EPV infection at some point in their lives.

  1. Causes

    • The Epstein-Barr virus commonly causes infectious mononucleosis in teenagers and young adults. EPV can only be transmitted through the saliva of an infected person, according to the NCID.

    Common Symptoms

    • The EBV typically causes swollen lymph glands, fatigue, sore throat and fever. Some individuals experience swelling around the eyes, skin rashes or jaundice.

    Treatment

    • According to Merck.com, Epstein-Barr symptoms are typically treated with acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Doctors occasionally prescribe a short course of steroids to control swelling of the lymph glands or throat.

    Complications

    • The Epstein-Barr virus might be a factor in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, two rare cancers not common in the United States, reports Merck.com.

    Considerations

    • While EPV symptoms typically go away after a month or two, the virus remains dormant in blood, throat or immune system cells for the rest of the patient's life, and can reactivate without any noticeable symptoms.

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