The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is actually part of the herpes virus family and is one of the most infectious diseases in the US (at least 90% of the US population has contracted this virus). Most people (especially children) show almost no symptoms when they are infected with this virus. However, some adults and people with weakened immune systems will get diseases, such as mononucleosis and lymphoma. EBV is transmitted through body fluids, especially saliva. Therefore, this virus is also called the “kissing disease.” There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment to prevent or treat cases of acute EBV. Thus, prevention and alternative therapies will be your main strategy.
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Part 1 of 2: Reducing the Risk of Spreading EBV
Step 1. Keep your immune system healthy
Prevention of transmission of various types of infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal) depends on the health and strength of the body's immune system. Your immune system is made up of specialized white blood cells that seek out and destroy potential pathogens, including EBV. However, if the immune system is weakened, harmful microorganisms can enter the body and spread undetected. Thus, keeping the immune system strong and ensuring it is working properly is a logical and natural strategy to prevent all infectious diseases, including EBV.
- Increase the quantity and quality of sleep, increase the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, maintain cleanliness, drink lots of clean water, and do cardio regularly are proven ways to maintain the function of the body's immune system.
- Your immune system will also improve if you reduce your consumption of processed sugars (eg soda, candy, ice cream, most baked goods), reduce alcohol consumption, and don't smoke.
- In addition to a bad lifestyle, the body's immune system will be weakened due to severe stress, debilitating diseases (eg cancer, diabetes, etc.) and certain medical procedures or prescriptions (eg surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, steroids, and overuse of drugs).).
Step 2. Get lots of vitamin C
Although there has not been much research examining the effects of vitamin C on viruses that are not related to colds, vitamin C has been shown to contain ascorbic acid which is antiviral and boosts the body's immune system so that it is very helpful in minimizing the impact of EBV infection. Vitamin C stimulates the production and activity of special white blood cells that seek out and destroy viruses. It is recommended that you consume 75-125 mg of Vitamin C (depending on gender and cigarette consumption), but now health experts are starting to feel that this dose is not optimal enough to maintain health and immunity.
- To fight infection, take 2 x 500 mg daily.
- Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Step 3. Consider an immune-boosting supplement
In addition to vitamin C, there are many other vitamins, minerals, and herbs that have antiviral properties and increase immunity. Unfortunately, there are no comprehensive studies on the prevention or treatment of EBV. Quality scientific research is expensive and natural (or “alternative”) therapies are usually not a research priority. Furthermore, EBV is somewhat unique in that it likes to hide inside B cells (a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune response). Therefore, EBV is difficult to eradicate only by increasing the body's immunity. However, this method is worth a try.
- Other immune-boosting supplements include vitamins A and D, zinc, selenium, echinacea, olive leaf extract, and astragalus root.
- Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin in response to sunlight and is an important part of a healthy immune system. Try increasing your vitamin D3 intake during the winter or throughout the year if you are not exposed to direct sunlight for at least 15 minutes each day.
- Olive leaf extract is a powerful antiviral made from the olive tree and works in synergy with vitamin C.
Step 4. Beware of the person to be kissed
Most adolescents and adults have been infected with EBV at some time. Some people are able to fight the virus and show no symptoms, while others experience mild symptoms, and some get sick for weeks or even months. Therefore, not kissing or having sexual contact with anyone to prevent EBV and other viral infections is an effective way. However, this method is not realistic. Instead, avoid kissing sick people, especially if you have a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and are constantly feeling tired and tired. However, don't forget that EBV can appear without any visible symptoms.
- Despite being dubbed the “kissing disease,” EBV infection can also be spread through saliva (saliva) through the sharing of drinks and eating utensils, as well as bodily fluids during sexual intercourse.
- The US population is almost entirely exposed to EBV, but mononucleosis is more common in Caucasians than blacks.
- Other risk factors for EBV infection are female, tropical climate, and being sexually active.
Part 2 of 2: Considering Treatment Options
Step 1. Treat significant EBV symptoms
There is no standard medical treatment for EBV because it often does not appear, and mononucleosis is self-limiting and tends to resolve on its own within a few months. However, if symptoms cause significant discomfort, use acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to relieve high fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and sore throat. For severe throat swelling, your doctor may prescribe steroids for a short period of time. Hospitalization is not recommended very often, although some people with mononucleosis usually feel tired.
- Mentioned from 1/3 to EBV in adolescents and adults progress to mononucleosis. Symptoms usually include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and severe fatigue.
- Don't forget, many commercial drugs for adults are not suitable for children (especially aspirin).
- Up to cases of mononucleosis, patients experience swelling of the spleen due to filtering all abnormal blood cells out of the blood. Avoid overexertion and any trauma to the abdomen if your spleen is inflamed (located below the heart).
- Rare complications associated with EBV include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis or meningitis), lymphoma, and some cancers.
Step 2. Consider colloidal silver
Colloidal silver is a liquid containing a small number of atomic groups of electrified silver. The medical literature shows that various viruses are successfully cured by silver solutions, but their efficacy depends on size (particle diameter must be less than 10) and purity (salt or protein free solution). Subnanometer-sized silver particles change when electrified and can destroy most rapidly mutating pathogenic viruses. However, it is not yet known whether and how silver particles specifically destroy EBV so more research needs to be done before actually recommending this method.
- Salt solutions are usually considered non-toxic even in high concentrations, but protein-based solutions increase the risk of argyria (discoloration due to silver compounds trapped in the skin).
- Colloidal silver can be obtained at supplement stores and pharmacies.
Step 3. Consult a doctor if your infection is chronic
If the EBV infection or mononucleosis persists for months, ask your doctor about antiviral or other effective medications. Chronic EBV infection is not common, but if the disease does not resolve after months, it can have a very negative impact on your immune system and quality of life. Anecdotal reports suggest antiviral therapy (acyclovir, ganciclovir, vidarabine, foscarnet) may be effective in some cases of EBV. However, don't forget that antiviral therapy is usually not effective in mild cases. In addition, immunosuppressive agents (orticosteroids, cyclosporine) can be used to reduce symptoms of chronic EBV infection in patients.
- Drugs that suppress immunity can also block the immune system's response to EBV so that cells infected with the virus can multiply further. Therefore, ask your doctor if the risk is worth it.
- Common side effects of antivirals include skin rash, upset stomach, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, headache, and dizziness.
- There have been great efforts to develop vaccines against EBV, but none have been effective.
Tips
- People suspected of having mononucleosis (mono) will have their blood samples taken and a “mono point” test performed. If the mono point result is positive, the patient's mono diagnosis is clearly proven
- Several antibody tests can be done to determine if you have a known infection. Antibodies are made by cells of the immune system to help identify viruses and other pathogens.
- Spread of EBV generally occurs through saliva (saliva), but can also be spread through blood and semen during sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.
