Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a long-lasting virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is transmitted through saliva. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, extreme tiredness, sore throat, and body aches. Treatment is limited to fluid intake and bed rest, and complications can be treated with antibiotics. It is estimated that up to 90% of the world population is infected with EBV.
Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family and also causes infectious mononucleosis. It is a common virus, usually infecting individuals in childhood, but lies dormant in the body for the rest of a person’s life. Although it does not usually have recurring symptoms, it is known as chronic Epstein-Barr because it is long-lasting. It is also referred to as chronic EBV when measurable symptoms last for six months or more.
Chronic Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted through saliva, which is why the infectious mononucleosis it causes is commonly called kissing disease. It has been estimated that up to 90% of the entire world population is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. Most people who contract the virus only experience symptoms during their initial infection, and although it remains dormant in the body for life, most never experience symptoms again. Some people, however, experience periodic mild symptoms of EBV after the initial infection. However, some people are asymptomatic and never experience any symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of chronic Epstein-Barr include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpit areas, extreme tiredness, sore throat, swollen eyes, body aches, chills, and fever. When these symptoms are present, a person is diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, which is highly contagious. Some people also develop complications from EBV, such as a rash, and may even experience a liver infection or a swollen spleen. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually last one to two months, but can last up to six months before reverting to dormancy like chronic Epstein-Barr virus.
Viruses such as EBV do not respond to antibiotics, so nonspecific treatment is limited to fluid intake and bed rest during a symptomatic phase. If pain or fever is present, common over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve these symptoms, but there isn’t much else that can be done for a person with chronic Epstein-Barr. If you develop a throat or liver infection, however, doctors will target them with antibiotics.
Chronic Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis occurs more frequently in developed than underdeveloped countries. Researchers believe this is because children in crowded, underdeveloped countries come into contact with EBV at an early age and, therefore, develop a resistance to the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis that teenagers and young adults are often afflicted with later on. in life. Chronic Epstein-Barr is not usually life-threatening, although a swollen spleen that ruptures or a liver infection can lead to death.
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