Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is present worldwide, one of the more common human viruses. It belongs to the herpes family of viruses. In adolescence, being infected with Epstein-Barr can lead to infectious mononucleosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. In some cases, the symptoms of EBV are mild enough to be confused with other childhood illnesses. EBV can remain dormant in the body for the rest of a person's life, showing little or no symptoms.
Fever
Fever is one of the most common symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus. In most cases, it is persistent and usually runs between 100 and 102 degrees. A low-grade fever may be present for days before other, more severe symptoms appear. This lower fever may be mistaken for a cold or flu virus. As other symptoms begin to appear or the fever begins to climb, the physician may call for a "mono spot" test to indicate Epstein-Barr or infectious mononucleosis. Fevers may climb to as high as 105 degrees in severe cases.
Sore Throat
In infectious mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus, a sore throat may be mild at first and become more severe as the fever climbs. A fever may last two weeks or longer. Tonsils may become so swollen that swallowing becomes difficult. If the swelling is too severe, a physician may prescribe a five-day course of steroids to reduce inflammation and make swallowing easier. According to the CDC, unpublished reports suggest that the use of steroids may shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
Fatigue
As the body deals with the persistent fever and ongoing symptoms, it begins to experience fatigue. Symptoms of Epstein-Barr and infectious mononucleosis are systemic, which means they affect more than one area of the body. According to the CDC, the liver and spleen may become enlarged as they struggle to keep up with the body's needs. The body is put under stress as it tries to fight off the infection; fatigue becomes an important factor. Fatigue may become severe, and frequent rest periods or naps may be needed throughout the day for the duration of the illness.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are glands that help make up the lymphatic system. When an infection or bacteria begin to attack the body, lymph nodes help fight them off and flush them along the lymphatic system so they can be eliminated from the body. Lymph nodes become swollen and tender as they work to rid the body of infection. During infectious mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr, lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpit may become swollen. There are more than 600 lymph nodes in the body, with most of them in these areas, according to the Mayo Clinic.
General Feelings of Discomfort
As with other viruses and infections, discomfort may accompany other more prominent symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus. Aches and pains in the joints, irritation and pain in the eyes, and an aversion to bright light may be present, according to Health
Scout. Because of the possible duration of Epstein-Barr, the discomfort may gradually worsen. As the body heals, these feelings of malaise and irritation may slowly begin to disappear.
