## Virus Epstein Barr The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a very common virus that infects up to 95% of people worldwide. Most people are infected with EBV during childhood, and the virus remains dormant in the body for the rest of their lives. In some people, EBV can reactivate and cause infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono. **Symptoms of Mono** * Fever * Sore throat * Swollen lymph nodes * Fatigue * Headache * Muscle aches * Loss of appetite * Rash **Treatment for Mono** There is no specific treatment for mono. Treatment is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help to relieve symptoms. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help to reduce the severity of the symptoms. **Complications of Mono** In most cases, mono is a self-limited illness and resolves within a few weeks. However, in some cases, EBV can cause serious complications, such as: * Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) * Liver damage * Hemolytic anemia * Guillain-Barre syndrome * Cancer **Prevention of Mono** There is no vaccine available to prevent EBV infection. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting mono, such as: * Avoid sharing food or drinks with someone who is infected with mono. * Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. * Avoid contact with the saliva of someone who is infected with mono. **EBV and Cancer** EBV has been linked to the development of several types of cancer, including: * Burkitt lymphoma * Nasopharyngeal carcinoma * Hodgkin lymphoma The risk of developing cancer from EBV is very low. However, people who have weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing cancer from EBV.
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