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Mononucleosis Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV)

In some cases, the virus does little more than give you a sore throat and last only a few days, while in other cases you can have enlargement of the spleen, severe fatigue and several months of swollen lymph nodes. Some cases have been known to show no symptoms at all. Not feeling good is a general complaint as the virus starts to go into its active state.

Epstein-Barr virus is relatively large and complex. The virus's structure consists of an envelope, spikes, a core, a capsid and a tegument. All these structures aid in making the virus successful in the infection process and as a means of avoiding detection from our body's immune system.

Following this symptom is headache, fatigue, chilliness, puffy eyelids, and loss of appetite. As the virus develops within the person's body the normal symptoms that we associate with Mono come into play. A person with full blown symptoms will experience fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands Fevers Enlarged spleens

Mono is spread by person-to-person contact. Saliva is the primary method of transmitting mono. Infectious mononucleosis developed its common name of kissing disease from this prevalent form of transmission among teenagers. A person with mono can also pass the disease by coughing or sneezing, causing small droplets of infected saliva and/or mucus to be suspended in the air which can be inhaled by others. Sharing food or beverages from the same container or utensil can also transfer the virus from one person to another since contact with infected saliva may result.

As of now there is no treatment available for Epstein-Barr virus infections. Generally speaking the virus is self-limiting and usually goes away with bed rest for up to six weeks. Limiting activities and strenuous work is also advised for three months after symptoms are gone, which is largely due to increase in spleen (and sometimes liver) size

Prevention: Do not share any type of food or drink with anyone Do not share any type of chapstick or lipbalm Use preventitive measures like hand washing.