The Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common viruses in human beings. Nearly 95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected. It is a member of the herpes family of viruses; it is commonly referred to as EBV. Symptoms include a sore throat, persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. When children acquire the Epstein-Barr virus, the symptoms are mild, but when adolescents and young adults acquire the virus they have a 35-50% chance of developing infectious mononucleosis.
Infectious mononucleosis symptoms include fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. Within 2 months the symptoms subside, but the EBV remains dormant in the cells of the person for the rest of their life. In Africa, EBV has been linked to the development of two kinds of cancer: Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but it is possible that there are other related causes.
Most people who have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus are not at risk for developing infectious mononucleosis, because their bodies have developed antibodies for the infection. Besides a natural immunity, catching mononucleosis requires contact with the infected individual's saliva. It is not necessary to take precautions to avoid catching mononucleosis, since most people already have the virus in their saliva.
There is no anti-viral medication available for treating infectious mononucleosis; however, the symptoms can be treated. The most common medication prescribed is steroids to combat swelling in the throat, and this treatment also reduces also reduces the length and intensity of the infection. Diagnosis of the mononucleosis can be determined by observing the symptoms and their length. Doctors can test for count of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus to determine a recent infection.
If the virus lasts longer than six months, it is called chronic EBV infection. It is possible that chronic EBV infection is related to chronic fatigue syndrome, but this has not been proved scientifically.