Re: Epstein Barr Virus

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on October 15, 1998 at 16:15:11:

In Reply to: Epstein Barr Virus posted by Helga Schust-Finan on October 15, 1998 at 13:11:18:






1.  I was just told by my doctor that I have Epstein-Barr Virus.  I been sickly and extremely tired/weak for the last 2 months.  He told me there is no cure for the virus and it can be disabling.
Q:  How long can I expect these symptoms to last?  
Q:  What can I do to feel better?
I feel so helpless, I am a very active person... but I can't seem to do anything now.
2.  What type of doctor would be best to seek treatment or information?
3.   I have 3 year old twin girls - how is this virus transmitted? Am I contagious? Are they at risk for infection?  How would the virus manifest itself in toddlers?
Please reply ASAP - I need the information but feel so helpless.






Thanks for your question.
1. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) causes Infectious Mononucleosis, which is characterized
by fatigue, headache, fever, pharyngitis, atypical elevation of white cell
counts in blood (lymphocytosis), and mild transient hepatitis.  The symptoms
usually last from days to weeks.  EBV has been proposed as a possible cause
of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, where the patient presents reccurrent epidoses
of fatigue and weakness, sometimes associated with muscle aches, joint pain,
pharyngitis, and mild fever.  The definitive association of these two
entities is still debatable.  The treatment for EBV is symptomatic, with
the use of NSAIDS for the fever.
2. General family practicioners are usually the most common physicians that
treat Infectious Mononucleosis.
3. The transmission is only by direct contact of the saliva of the infected
person.  It is not air-borne.  Direct innoculation of other body fluids,
such as blood, bone marrow can also result in infection.
I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.