Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widespread virus that causes the infection known as mononucleosis, especially in boys and teens. However, not everyone gets sick and some people don't experience any symptoms; in this way it becomes difficult to identify it. If you are worried about getting the disease, there are still certain symptoms to look out for.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Check for Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to flu-like symptoms
Early EBV disease disorders may resemble those of a cold or flu. For example, you may have runny nose, headache, fever, sore throat or cough; you may also feel more tired or sore than usual. As the infection progresses, you can begin to experience more severe symptoms associated with mononucleosis.
Step 2. Measure your body temperature
With EBV or mononucleosis you can even get a fever of 39 ° C.
Step 3. Try to swallow
Having pain when swallowing or a sore throat that can last for more than two weeks are both typical manifestations of the disease.
Step 4. Check your throat
About 30% of those affected by the infection also suffer from pharyngitis. With pharyngitis, you can typically see white plaques on the throat walls and tonsils; doctors usually do tests to diagnose the disease and prescribe antibiotics if the tests are positive for infection.
If you have both, mononucleosis and strep, the use of amoxicillin should be avoided due to the risk of a rash from the drug
Step 5. Pay attention if you feel particularly tired or sore
People with mononucleosis often complain of prolonged fatigue, muscle aches and weakness. You may also experience general discomfort or a strong feeling of not being perfectly healthy as usual. if you have pain in the upper left abdominal area, you may have a swollen spleen.
Step 6. Check for sore or swollen lymph nodes
Those in the neck or armpits may be swollen. Here are some methods to control edema:
- Feel the area around the larynx and under the jaw; turning your head to the same side as you are controlling or arching your shoulders forward may help to relax your muscles. Look out for any painful or swollen sensations.
- Use the opposite hand to check under the arm. Raise your right arm slightly and touch the armpit with the other hand; you should feel along the edges and center of the armpit.
- Try to sit down when checking your lymph nodes so you are more relaxed.
Step 7. Look for any breakouts
They can initially appear on the chest and upper arms, and then spread to the face as well; you can also develop red patches on the palate. If you are taking antibiotics to fight other infections that have developed due to EBV, you may also experience drug-related rashes. Such rashes on patients with mononucleosis can present in many ways, including:
- Red spots similar to those of measles
- Wheals detected;
- Small blisters
- Violet spots.
Part 2 of 3: Treating the EBV Infection
Step 1. Get plenty of rest
This way, you give the body a chance to heal on its own and is helpful when you are constantly feeling very tired.
- However, try to move a little whenever possible, as clinical studies have shown that spending too much time in bed can delay the healing process.
- Resume your activities gradually.
- Consider not going to school or work until you feel good again.
Step 2. Drink lots of water and other fluids
By drinking, you relieve sore throats and keep your body hydrated; keep in mind that the body needs more fluids when you have a fever.
Avoid drinking alcohol when you are sick and for a few weeks after you start to feel better; mononucleosis can affect the liver, and adding alcohol can make it worse
Step 3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
They can help you control headaches, muscle aches and general malaise; they are also effective for lowering fever.
Step 4. Try different ways to relieve a sore throat
The methods described below can help you soothe throat pain and relieve any other discomfort due to patches on the palate:
- Suck on popsicles, cough candies, or balsamic candies
- Gargle with salt water (but don't swallow it!);
- Drink hot tea with honey;
- Apply an over-the-counter sore throat spray.
Step 5. Avoid lifting or pushing heavy loads and all contact sports
Demanding activities can rupture the spleen, with very dangerous consequences. If you have serious complications, such as a ruptured spleen, you need to go to the hospital.
Step 6. Contact your doctor
He may prescribe steroids to reduce swelling of the spleen or liver, as well as any antibiotics to help fight pharyngitis. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to look for antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus and / or white blood cells produced by the body to fight infection.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing EBV
Step 1. Do not share objects that come into contact with saliva
Avoid using the same toothbrushes, glasses, water bottles, utensils, lip products, and other personal belongings with other people. The EBV virus spreads mainly through saliva, so you can reduce the risk of getting sick by avoiding sharing any type of object.
Step 2. Don't kiss people who have symptoms of mononucleosis
Since the virus is present in saliva, you can become infected through kissing (this is why mononucleosis is also called the "kissing disease"), sharing glasses of water or using the same toothbrush..
Step 3. Avoid sexual intercourse with people who have symptoms of the disease
The virus is also found in blood and semen, so you could get sick through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, or organ transplantation.
Advice
- Mononucleosis is almost never fatal.
- In the United States, the CDC does not recommend any specific procedure for disease prevention.
Warnings
- Once contracted, the virus remains in the body; you can spread it even if you don't show any symptoms and you can pass it on at any time.
- Although these are very rare events, heart and central nervous system problems can also occur.
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EBV can contribute to the development of some forms of cancer, which are:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
- Burkitt's lymphoma.
- These are rare cancers and can also arise from other causes unrelated to EBV.
