what is ebv

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family and is one of the most common human viruses. It is highly contagious and spreads primarily through bodily fluids, especially saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, and other illnesses. Most cases of EBV do not cause symptoms, but in some cases, especially in adolescents and young adults, it can lead to infectious mononucleosis. Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and swollen liver or spleen. Once infected with EBV, the virus becomes latent (inactive) in the body, and in some cases, it may reactivate, especially in people with weakened immune systems. There is no vaccine to protect against EBV infection, and treatment focuses on addressing the symptoms associated with the infection, such as rest, hydration, and pain relief. It is important to note that EBV is not the same as other viruses in the herpesvirus family, such as genital herpes.