What is EPV

[jess990]

About 1.5 years ago, I was told I had an active EPV test. I have since then been tested several times and each time my levels are very high and active. My doc is referring me to a rhumatologist. But I don't understand what EPV is, how I got it, what it means, what it can do, can it lead to cancer, etc. Thanks

[9DodgeFan]

Well to start, EBV is a virus.  Once you contract it, it stays in your body for the rest of your life (from what I've read, approximately 90% of people have gotten it by age 20), although for most people it just becomes "dormant".  So, since you've tested high for a while now, it's difficult to say when you contracted the virus.  It may have been recently, or it could have been long ago, and what you're going through now is what we call a "re-activation".  I can't say I've ever heard of going to a rhumatologist for EBV, but I'm sure your doctor had reasons for referring you.  As far as what EBV can do, the symptoms can cover a pretty big variety.  I think the most common are fatigue and malaise (general feeling of unwellness).  But if you look through the other posts in this forum, you can see the variety I'm talking about.  I don't know of any links to EBV causing cancer or anything, so I really don't think you need to worry about that.  I would also like to point out, if you look at the other posts, don't get scared!!  We're all here to help each other!  Hope this answers some of your questions!

[jess990]

Yes, oops, I meant EBV

[9DodgeFan]

Hi, do you mean EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus)?  I would have thought it was a typo, but it looks like you spelled it that way a few times.  I haven't heard of EPV.  Please let us know if you meant EBV though, because if that's the case, you are at the right place!