The Epstein Barr blood test is used to discover antibodies that have been created to counter an EBV infection. It is often used today to diagnose a case of infectious mononucleosis when someone is symptomatic of this disease, but has tested negative on other mononucleosis tests.
Sometimes called the Kissing Disease, this virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. Treatments generally focus on managing the symptoms of the disease. Most of the time, mononucleosis will begin to clear up on its own in a few weeks as a person’s immune system counters the virus.
There is no way to prevent an EBV infection. The only way to not catch infectious mononucleosis is to not share utensils, dishes, or have intimate contact with someone who is infected. There are no vaccines available to protect against this virus.
What Are the Symptoms of an EBV Infection?
It can take several weeks for the symptoms of an EBV infection to develop. In some cases, mononucleosis may not occur for up to 6 weeks after the infection has occurred. Symptoms may be very mild and manageable, but can also be quite severe.
Most people will experience symptoms that are similar to the common cold or influenza. There is severe fatigue, a fever, and a lack of appetite present in almost all cases. Some people may experience a sore throat or have very swollen glands in the neck. There may be a skin rash that appears and muscles may feel weak and sore for some time. Some people who develop mononucleosis will also have white patches on their tonsils.
The most severe symptoms of an EBV infection tend to go away in 2-4 weeks. Many people who have experienced mononucleosis may still deal with an increased level of fatigue for up to 8 weeks after the primary symptoms have gone away.
When To See a Doctor About the Epstein Barr Blood Test
A person doesn’t have to feel sick in order to pass the virus to someone else. The virus can even stay within the body for months or years after an initial mononucleosis attack and become active again, creating the possibility of becoming contagious once again. If you experience the symptoms of an EBV infection and they aren’t getting better after 7 days, then it may be time to speak with your doctor.
The Epstein Barr blood test will look for the antibodies that the body creates to counter the active virus. Some tests will also look at the specific white blood cells that are used to fight off an Epstein Barr infection when it occurs.
Home Treatments For Epstein Barr Virus
Although there is no cure for mononucleosis, it is important to confirm the diagnosis with the Epstein Barr blood test because the disease can create some rare complications that can be life threatening. Sometimes it can enlarge the spleen, so contact a medical facility immediately if there is a sudden and very sharp pain on the left side of the abdomen. EBV also causes dehydration and some people may experience swelling of the air passageways or difficulty breathing. These may also be medical emergencies.
EBV may also lead to other diseases. Children can may have ear infections or chronic diarrhea caused by an infection of this virus. Guillain-Barre syndrome is also caused by this virus and there are certain cancers of the nose and throat, along with a specific type of lymphoma, that develop from an infection.
The best thing to do is to get some rest. Avoid participating in sports or doing any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several months to help speed the healing process.
Here’s What You Need To Know
There may also be a link between the development of multiple sclerosis and EBV, but there is no definitive proof that an infection can lead to MS.
The signs and symptoms of an Epstein Barr viral infection should clear up in 4-6 weeks. If the bothersome symptoms continue on past this time, then there may be other health issues that may need to be addressed. The Epstein Barr blood test can help to confirm this if necessary so that a new treatment plan can be developed.
Although it can be rare for adults to develop mononucleosis because most people experience an EBV infection as a child, it is possible. Liver and spleen enlargement tend to be the most concerning symptoms of the disease. Once you’ve had an EBV infection, you will not get mononucleosis. You can, however, develop the symptoms of a classic viral infection.
If you have a weakened immune system, ongoing monitoring may be necessary. That is the advantage the Epstein Barr blood test can provide. If you suspect that you may have caught mononucleosis, then speak to your medical provider about this blood test so that an appropriate response to the illness can be created and your good health protected.