Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is a common virus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 95 percent of U.S. adults age 35 to 40 have contracted it at some point, although it can occur at any age. Epstein Barr syndrome is a general term used to describe many different diseases that are caused by this virus. If the symptoms of Epstein Barr virus infection are recognized, it is important to seek medical attention to help prevent chronic illness or complications.
Fatigue
The symptoms experienced after exposure to EBV vary depending on the exact strain that the patient has. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that in many cases this virus causes extreme fatigue as the body works to fight off the illness. It can take between 30 to 50 days after exposure for symptoms to appear and symptoms can last for days or weeks. In some cases, however, especially with infants and children, this virus never causes any symptoms. In other cases, it can lead to infectious mononucleosis.
Sore Throat
When the Epstein-Barr virus causes illness the symptoms can be mild, similar to those experienced with the common cold. This includes a sore throat and swollen glands. This may or may not be accompanied by a fever of about 103 degrees F. Every case is different and in some patients the only warning sign is swollen glands that are not painful. For most patients, the symptoms resolve in one to two months.
Heart, Spleen and Liver Problems
Since illnesses caused by the the Epstein-Barr virus can mimic other conditions, it is important to have a doctor run blood tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. In some cases, this illness can become chronic lasting for six months or longer. While rare, if this disease becomes severe it can cause damage to the liver, spleen and heart. EBV may also contribute to two kinds of cancer, Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
