Epstein-Barr Virus

 Epstein-Barr virusEpstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is a common herpes virus that affects most humans throughout the world.  This is the virus that causes mononucleosis, also commonly known as mono, or “the kissing disease.”  EBV is spread through infected saliva and bodily fluids.  The most common ways of spreading the Epstein-Barr virus include kissing, sharing drinks or food, using another person’s toothbrush, or contact with toys that an infected child has drooled on. The virus can be present without symptoms for months and EBV reactivation can occur many times with the same virus living dormant in the body. EBV infection can be detected with an antibody blood test.

Symptoms of EBV

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Inflamed throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Swollen liver
  • Rash

Symptoms may or may not become present in childhood, though many people become infected during childhood.  Symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks, though fatigue can last months.

Finally, there is no existing vaccine for EBV.  To prevent this virus, don’t kiss people infected with Epstein-Barr, or share drinks, food, or personal items with people infected with EBV.  You may choose to use over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Motrin for pain and/or fever. Some patients with severe symptoms may be prescribed corticosteroids or antiviral treatments, though not for routine infections. 

Relieve Symptoms with Natural Remedies

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Use herbs/supplements (zinc citrate, St. John’s Wort, lemon balm, licorice, echinacea, vitamin C, L-Lysine, Beta Glucan, olive leaf extract, berberine)
  • Try a detox tea
  • Eat immune-boosting foods, like dark green, leafy veggies, and foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, sweet potatoes, berries, nuts and seeds, and some proteins
  • Take a daily probiotic or eat probiotic foods
  • Minimize stress 

As always, take care to follow directions on labels very carefully.  Consult your healthcare provider before you add any new herbs or supplements. 

For questions or concerns, respond to this post or contact us.

Recent Posts

Newsletters

August 2025 Newsletter

Dear GHT patients and families, Happy August! Back-to-school is fast approaching, filled with fresh starts, new classrooms, and opportunities to grow! Whether your kid is just

Read More »
Newsletters

July 2025 Newsletter

Dear GHT Families,   July is here, along with the blazing sun, stifling heat, and outdoor fun and games. At Growing Healthy Together, we believe

Read More »
Newsletters

June 2025 Newsletter

Dear GHT patients and families, Summer is almost here, and at Growing Healthy Together, we’re welcoming the sunshine with open arms and full water bottles.

Read More »
Cartoon-style hammer about to hit a wart-like figure in a whack-a-mole game.
Holistic Care Blog

Warts

What are warts? Warts are small, firm bumps on the skin caused by close contact with viruses from the HPV (human papillomavirus) family (Goldstein et

Read More »
Newsletters

May 2025 Newsletter

Dear GHT families and patients, As spring blooms all around Long Beach, we hope your family is finding time to enjoy the sunshine, community events,

Read More »
A picture showing the true color of black mold (rhizopus sp) spores, which is green using Light Microscope
Holistic Care Blog

Mold Exposure

Understanding Mold Exposure: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention Mold is a group of fungi that exists worldwide, commonly found in homes, outdoor environments, and workplaces (Borchers

Read More »
Skip to content