Epstein-Barr is a virus that can give you a disease called mononucleosis, commonly known as mono (glandular fever) or “the kissing disease”. It is called the kissing disease as saliva is one of the primary carriers of this virus, other carriers include blood and semen. The symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore throat, a cold, and swollen glands in the neck. Although, you can tell for a disease just from the symptoms, here’s how you can diagnosis mononucleosis.

Fatigue, sore throat and other symptoms of Epstein-Barr virus could also be symptoms for another illness. If you wish to get an assurance about whether you have mononucleosis or not, you must consult your doctor and run a few tests.

Diagnosis

One of the major signs for mononucleosis is an enlarged spleen. A spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the stomach, the primary function of this organ is to filter blood. It is also a part of the immune system as it filters the blood from virus and bacteria. Along with an enlarged spleen, your doctor will also check your liver for a swelling, and your tonsils for a white patch.

If you have an Epstein-Barr virus infection then there is a blood test to identify two factors: one is to check for antibodies and the other looks for a particular type of white blood cells.

Treatment

Now that we know the symptoms and diagnosis for an Epstein-Barr virus, let us look at the treatments.

• Antibiotics are tablets that can give you relief from the illness but only on a temporary basis. For permanent treatment, you will need some patience and remedies that can help your body wipe out the Epstein-Barr virus.
• Take extra care about your hydration in this situation, add more electrolyte based drinks to your diet and get some proper rest to induce a faster recovery.
• You can suck on some lozenges ice pops or gargle with warm water and salt to soothe your throat, you could also take some painkillers for your body pain.
• The Epstein-Barr virus cannot be treated with medicines, hence it becomes important to adopt the above-mentioned remedies.
• Along with the above-mentioned remedies, you must also keep yourself away from any tedious activity that could add unnecessary pressure on your spleen and worsen the situation.

Disease other than mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

• Ear infection or diarrhea in children
• Cancers of the nose or throat
• Guillian-Barre syndrome