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Epstein Barr Virus Symptoms and Natural Treatments

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that also causes mononucleosis, often referred to as the 'kissing disease' and doctors often use the two interchangeably. Studies indicate that EBV is further responsible for causing nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, which are both very rare types of cancer. And researchers are now implicating the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in roughly one-third of Hodgkin's disease cases. According to ScienceDaily.com "Researchers at the University of Toronto have shown that the EBNA1 protein of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disrupts structures in the nucleus of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells, thereby interfering with cellular processes that normally prevent cancer development."

EBV is also a suspected culprit underlying the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although this has not yet been clearly proven. Characteristic of the herpes group of viruses, even after initial symptoms have disappeared, this virus also lies dormant in the body until it is triggered by stress or an overtaxed immune system. Cases of the virus are so common that statistics estimate that up to ninety-five percent of adults in their thirties have been infected by it.

EBV enters the body through the lymph nodes and wages an attack on the lymphocytes, which is where the body's white blood cells are produced. As these cells are exposed to the virus, they mutate and begin to multiply. Once a person becomes infected, it is then spread primarily through saliva, which is passed by eating after another person, kissing, sharing eating utensils or even touching objects that have come in contact with or been near the mouth of an infected person. It is difficult to control transmission because the infection can lie dormant for up to two weeks before symptoms begin to appear. It is during this time that people are most prone to unknowingly spread the virus.

After several weeks, one or more of the following Epstein Barr virus symptoms are recognized:

Fatigue

Sore throat

Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin or armpit areas

Liver infection (in extreme cases)

Swollen spleen (in extreme cases)

Malaise

Fever

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, people also develop what is known as photophobia (sensitivity to bright light), eye pain and a noticeable skin rash.

Because the spleen is sometimes affected, people are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least a month after being diagnosed to avoid the possibility of rupturing the spleen.

Although very similar in symptoms, mononucleosis typically does not last as long. Usually, mono only lasts for a month or two, while EBV lies dormant in a person's body for the rest of their lives and can reactivate, even without showing symptoms of such. In these cases, a person is infectious, but the virus only shows up in the testing of a person's saliva.

Conventional medicine doesn't offer much in terms of Epstein Barr virus treatments. The general thought is that it is something that must run a course of approximately one month before a person recovers. Normally, pain and fever medications are recommended and in cases of severe airway swelling, corticosteroids are prescribed. Antiviral medications have very little effect on symptoms and are rarely offered.

Holistic health treatments for the virus include the following:

Vitamin A
Suma Root
Golden Seal
Freshly squeezed lemon juice daily in a glass of Ginger Ale (for sore throat pain and immune system enhancement)
Vick's Vapor Rub on the neck before wrapping it in a warm towel overnight
Dry sauna sessions (to induce sweating, but patients should be cautious not to become too chilled after exiting the sauna)

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Of course, the best way to fight the onset or a recurrence of Epstein Barr virus is to focus on healthy living at all times. This means that the immune system should be naturally strengthened with a healthy diet, adequate rest, daily exercise and mental activities designed to eliminate stress. With holistic health strategies an infected person can live a life free of recurring symptoms.

Epstein Barr Virus Symptoms and Natural Treatments

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