1. Confirm Epstein-Barr With Lab Tests
If you have been suffering from unexplained fatigue, swollen glands and a general feeling of malaise, your doctor may send you for blood tests to see if you have Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus that causes mononucleosis and may be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), though research connecting the two conditions is not conclusive. If you have EBV antibodies in your system, measuring the concentration of the antibodies will let your doctor know if you have contracted EBV or have been exposed to it in the past.
Symptoms of EBV and CFS are similar, making it difficult to know what is causing your chronic symptoms. Ask to be tested for other infectious diseases that manifest themselves with symptoms similar to EBV and CFS so you can rule out diseases that you don't have. Once you have eliminated possibilities, it will be easier to treat your condition.
2. Take Anti-Viral Medicines
You doctor may put you on anti-viral drugs to see if they decrease the severity of your symptoms. Acyclovir often is used when people have chronic fatigue syndrome and are either diagnosed with or are suspected to have EBV. If you have received a positive diagnosis of Epstein-Barr, acyclovir can stop the virus from replicating. Usually people recover from mononucleosis within a couple months when put on medication and bedrest.
3. Treat Epstein-Barr Symptoms
Treating EBV symptomatically may be your best solution, since EBV is sometimes difficult to diagnose and differentiate from CFS. Get plenty of rest and allow your body to regain its strength. Drink fluids frequently and treat fevers and muscle aches with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Ask your doctor to test you for strep throat if over-the-counter preparations do not soothe a sore throat. Strep throat can treated with antibiotics.
