For those who tend to overlook minor recurring symptoms like occasional cough, sore throat, or tonsillitis, did you know that these symptoms might be caused by an EBV viral infection in the body? Dr. Romyen Sakthongjeen, an infectious disease specialist at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital will clarify this issue for you.
What is the EBV virus?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 4 (HHV4) is one of the most common viruses found in humans. Current science has found that EBV has existed in humans since prehistoric times. It is found worldwide, and most people globally get infected with EBV at some point in their lives. In some people, it causes disease; some spread the virus to others; some have mild symptoms, and some have no symptoms at all. This is because the virus hides, and whenever the immune system weakens, it is ready to attack immediately.
Causes of various diseases that should not be overlooked
This virus can cause many diseases, but the well-known disease is mono or Infectious mononucleosis, glandular disease, or kissing disease, which is the first EBV infection during adolescence or early adulthood. It causes high fever, severe sore throat, enlarged tonsils, swollen lymph nodes on both sides of the neck, and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, and enlarged liver and spleen. In severe cases, complications may occur, such as airway obstruction due to enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, spleen rupture causing internal bleeding, or hematologic complications. Patients with weakened or abnormal immune systems have a higher risk of severe complications and may even die.
Did you know “EBV” is not a new disease?
Although it may not have been well known before, studies in Thailand have found that over 95% of adolescents aged 12-14 have already been infected. As people age, especially over 35 years old, almost everyone has likely been infected at some point in their lives. As mentioned, this virus is found in most people. Those who have been infected, even without symptoms, can spread the virus to others through secretions, saliva, kissing, sexual contact, sharing personal items, and importantly, the virus can survive in the environment for a long time, especially in humid conditions.
“Everyone” is at risk
EBV can easily spread to others. If a person is infected for the first time, they can spread the virus for months because most do not show symptoms. Only when the body weakens does the latent EBV increase in number and spread to others. Therefore, those at risk of infection include people close to patients with mono or other EBV infections, people with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems, those on immunosuppressive drugs, or chemotherapy. These groups may have recurrent infections from within themselves or new infections from others more easily.
Minor illnesses may be caused by infection
The disease usually starts with chills and shivering for about 2-3 days, followed by high fever, severe sore throat, swollen neck, and enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms are most severe during the first 3-5 days and gradually decrease. The illness can resolve on its own within 2-3 weeks, averaging about 10 days if there are no complications. However, if you start feeling unwell, take medicine, rest, drink plenty of water, but symptoms do not improve, with high fever, swollen neck, and severe sore throat, see a doctor for a physical examination. Blood tests may be needed to differentiate the disease because other diseases have similar symptoms to mono, such as bacterial throat infections, diphtheria, toxoplasmosis, or lymphoma.
“Most cases of mono can recover on their own when the body rests and the immune system functions normally. The body will produce immunity against EBV after infection, which can be detected by blood tests showing past EBV infection. Maintain general hygiene, avoid sharing personal items with others, get enough rest, eat cooked and clean food, drink enough clean water, and exercise regularly to keep the body and immune system strong.” Dr. Romyen Sakthongjeen, Infectious Disease Specialist, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
Dr. Romyen Sakthongjeen
Infectious Disease Specialist
Adult Immunization and Travel Medicine Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
