5 Common Symptoms Of Epstein Barr Virus
The Epstein Barr virus is responsible for mononucleosis, a type of infectious disease. Also known as, the “kissing disease” the Epstein Barr virus infection is spread through the saliva of the infected person.
Teenagers and young adults have a higher risk of contracting the infection. The symptoms of the infection develop due to abnormal increase in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the blood stream
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The symptoms of the Epstein Barr virus infection appear about four to six weeks after the virus enters the body. Children rarely develop the symptoms of mononucleosis. The symptoms are more obvious in teenagers and young adults.
5 Common Symptoms Of Epstein Barr Virus
Sore Throat
Sore throat is the most common symptom of Epstein Barr virus infection. In most cases, severe sore throat prompts a person suffering from the infection to seek medical help.
The soreness in the throat is usually a sign of tonsil inflammation. In one out of every three cases of Epstein Barr virus infection, a whitish coating is present in the tonsils
Fever
Severe sore throat is accompanied by persistent fever. The body temperature is usually between 102 and 104 degree Fahrenheit.
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Swollen Lymph Nodes in The Throat
The discomfort in the throat is worsened by swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat area. The lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system. They produce immune cells when the body suffers from an infection. A lymph node swells when it is extremely active.
Rash
About five percent people suffering from Epstein Barr virus infection develop red measles-like skin rash. For some unknown reason, almost 95 percent people undergoing treatment with penicillin or a related antibiotic, even people not allergic to these drugs, develop skin rash during the course of the treatment.
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Swollen Spleen
The spleen is the most important lymph node of the body. It is present below the rib chest, in the upper left part of the abdomen. The heightened activity of the immune system can cause swelling of the spleen. Nearly fifty percent people suffering from mononucleosis develop spleen inflammation.
Spleen inflammation can lead to severe health complications that might require hospitalization. A person might bleed to death, if the swollen spleen ruptures. Even a mild trauma can rupture the spleen. In some cases, the spleen might rupture even without an external trauma.
Neurological Complications
Neurological complications develop in less than one percent cases of Epstein Barr virus infection. The virus might invade the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis or inflammation of the brain and meningitis. Despite the severity of the infection, majority of the patients completely recover from the neurological complications.
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Fatigue
Fatigue or loss of energy is a common symptom of Epstein Barr infection. Even after the infection has healed, fatigue might last for several weeks. Epstein Barr infection is believed to be one of the major causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common among women. It is more likely to occur when the viral infection occurs in early or middle adulthood.
