Epstein-Barr virus infection

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for infectious mononucleosis (IM). The virus has an affinity for the B-lymphocytes of the immune system. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) belongs to the herpes family of viruses. It is sometimes referred to as Human Herpes virus-4 (HHV-4). Epstein-Barr is one of the most common viruses in humans affecting approximately 95% of adults by the age of 35-40 years.

Transmission of the virus is almost impossible to prevent but, fortunately, the Epstein Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr virus and are almost never fatal. The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually resolve themselves within 1-2 months. However, once a person is infected, it establishes a lifelong infection which can cause recurrent episodes of mononucleosis symptoms later in life.

After the primary infection, EBV remains within the host for life and is intermittently shed from the oropharynx (mouth and throat). Therefore a person might be shedding the virus and passing it to someone else without realizing it or being symptomatic themselves. Because it is shed from the oropharynx, it may be passed via kissing or other contact with saliva. EBV can also be spread via the transfusion of blood products.

First symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus infection

Fever is a common symptom of many ailments; it is also present in infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr virus.

Sore throat: there are many other causes for throat soreness, however it is also a common sign of mononucleosis.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness characterised by severe to debilitating fatigue that impairs daily function and is often made worse by exertion, exercise and other stresses and is another sign of the Epstein Barr virus infection..

More symptoms of the Epstein Barr virus infection

Abdominal pain
Cognitive difficulty
Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
Enlarged, painful lymph nodes
Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Painful joints
Salivary gland swelling
Sore throat
Swollen liver
Swelling in the lymph glands.
Swollen spleen

NOTE: It is common for those infected by the Epstein-Barr virus to have intestinal parasites and a candida yeast infection. When this is the case intestinal and bowel disorders can be present too.

See>>

Candida
Parasites

Prevention of Epstein Barr virus is difficult, because so many adults are already infected with the virus which is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected person. Since a very large percentage of adults are already infected with the dormant virus, no specific prevention procedures are available. Epstein Barr virus establishes a lifelong dormant infection in some cells of the body’s immune system.

EBV is associated with other, potentially life-threatening diseases though including lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. Hodgkins disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma are malignant processes whereby cancer cells arising from the immune and lymphatic systems proliferate beyond normal levels.

Two rare cancers have emerged among some carriers of Epstein Barr virus. These are: nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma. These cancers are rare and may not be caused solely by Epstein Barr virus. Although rarely seen, other complications involving the central nervous system and heart problems may also occur.

Natural treatments for Epstein Barr virus infection

Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding sugar, alcohol and coffee will help to support the immune system. Adequate rest and sleep are also important. Stress, whether physiological or emotional, takes its toll on the immune function, so any measures that can reduce or help manage stress are important.

Balancing the intestinal flora is vital in the fight against this virus as this will boost the body’s immune system which can then inhibit the replication of this virus naturally. Add extra fibre and prebiotic and probiotic foods daily. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria

Concentrated Chaparral leaf resin has been shown to have significant anti-viral and antioxidant activity especially against the Epstein Barr virus. Two active natural ingredients inhibit the genes responsible for the replication of the virus.

Colloidal silver has shown to be an effective natural remedy against the Epstein-Barr virus.

Olive leaf extract has shown to be a useful natural remedy against the Epstein-Barr virus.

For other virus fighting remedies see>> Anti-microbial healing plants and foods

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