TheEpstein-Barr virus(EBV) is a common virus that is often asymptomatic but sometimes causesmononucleosis.
Stem cell treatments are used to treat chronic EBV.
This article discusses treatments for the Epstein-Barr virus, mononucleosis, and chronic EBV.
visualspace / Getty
visualspace / Getty
What Is EBV?
EBV is one of the most common infections in humans.
Also known as human herpesvirus 4, it is active worldwide.
An estimated 95% of people get infected with EBV during their lifetimes.
When someone is first infected with EBV in childhood, they usually have no symptoms.
Interestingly, this infection is most aggressive during the late-adolescent and young adult years (1524).
At least one in four Epstein-Barr infections at this age will cause problematic symptoms.
When an EBV infection becomes problematic, its called infectious mononucleosis.
Commonly referred to as mono, this condition can be sparked by other viruses, too.
Uncommon symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include anenlarged spleenor swollen liver lasting long after other symptoms have cleared.
Mononucleosis Treatment
Currently, there are no treatments that can kill the Epstein-Barr virus.
Treatment for mono focuses on relieving symptoms and healing your immune system naturally.
Listen to your body.
If youre feeling tired, stay in bed.
You may need to take time off from work or school and have someone help out around the house.
Even when youre feeling better, its essential to take it easy.
Take these medications as directed or as your healthcare provider recommends.
Never give aspirin to children.
These medications will not cure or kill the virus; they only help relieve the symptoms.
Get rest to ensure you feel better as soon as possible.
Steroids are also not recommended and dont seem to decrease the disease’s length or severity.
The goal of vaccines would be to prime the immune system to prevent these complications and cancers.
They may worsen and cause long-term complications.
The virus can also be reactivated, causing symptoms to reappear.
This can occur when a person’s immune system is weakened from stress.
EBV becomes chronic when the patients immune system cant control the virus.
Their white blood cells become infected, and the levels of the virus in their blood stay high.
Any of these can cause death in CAEBV patients.
While symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus can be treated, the disease’s root causethe viruscannot.
Theres no current standard approach to EBV-related diseases and complications because many of the therapies tried havent been successful.
The best treatment can do is ease symptoms and the conditions because of the infection.
Even if the transplant is successful, though, it’s possible the virus can return.
Typical mono symptoms dont show up until four to six weeks after the initial viral infection.
An infected person can walk around spreading the virus for weeks before they have symptoms.
Can Vitamins Prevent Epstein-Barr Infections?
Coping
Infectious mononucleosis is a serious disease, but most patients will recover completely.
Eat when you feel well enough for it.
Be gentle on your body.
Its fighting off a virus and is trying to heal.
Gather up your favorite movies or shows for a binge-watching session.
Ask your family and friends for help with meals and other household tasks.
If youre not feeling better after several weeks, consult your healthcare provider.
Summary
The Epstein-Barr virus is often asymptomatic, but can cause mono or chronic EBV infection.
There is currently no treatment that targets the virus.
Instead, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and boosting immune health.
Chronic EBV is treated with stem cells.
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