HomeAnswersInfectious Diseasesepstein barr virusAre my symptoms of night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent tonsillitis due to EBV?

I am having night sweats, fatigue and I have also lost 5% of my body weight. Is it due to EBV?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Chithranjali Ravichandran

Published At May 2, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 20 years old, and I have been experiencing night sweats, fatigue, and also feeling a bit hot on and off for two months. I have lost five percent of my body weight. I had bad tonsillitis last month and have got it again now. I tested positive for strep and EBV. I started taking antibiotics four days back, but it has not helped me. I am quite concerned since I have had this twice now and wonder if it could be chronic active EBV. If so, how do I find it out? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to ask you a few questions.

  1. Are you taking any steroid drugs?
  2. Do you have any history of unprotected sexual activity?
  3. Do you have anything that could cause your immunity to go down? Factors like bad oral hygiene can lead to recurrent upper respiratory infections like tonsillitis.

Please let me know the answers to the above questions so that I can guide you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your message.

I am not taking steroids, and I am dating someone for four months and always use protection. I have been stressed lately and have a habit of repetitively biting my cheek sometimes but have made an effort to stop the habit. This infection seems to spread to my tonsils, adenoids, nose, and throat. I have lots of fairly large lymph nodes on my neck, armpits, and inguinal area. I am worried because some of the symptoms have been persistent for nearly two months (tiredness, congested nose, night sweats), and this is the second time I have had a throat infection in one month. Do you think it could be 'chronic active EBV'? I am worried about this as there is no cure for this condition. Is it fatal? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Usually, EBV (Epstein Barr virus) infection is acquired when your mucosa comes in contact with infected secretions like the saliva of infected individuals.

With a history of night sweats, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, recurrent respiratory tract infection, and sexual contact (with protection), I recommend you get your blood tested for HIV I and HIV 2 antibodies, complete blood count with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Epstein-Barr virus VCA (viral capsid antigen)-IgG and EA-D (early antigen-diffuse) IgG test, and CD4 count. We must rule out the cause for recurrent EBV infection, upper respiratory infection, and lymphoid tissue involvement like tonsils, adenoids, and lymph nodes which could be due to an underlying cause. Finding out the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment.

Do not worry. Please follow up with the reports.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had an EBV test done last week, and it was positive. How can I tell the difference between chronic EBV and recurrent EBV? Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I saw the test reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity).

Recurrent EBV infection and reactivation of chronic active EBV infection are the same. Chronic active EBV is rare and is usually seen in those with underlying low immunity. We need to know if you are suffering from any other illness-causing low immunity leading to these manifestations. There is no need to do a complete blood count (CBC) with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and peripheral smear, Ebstein-Barr Virus VCA-IgG, and EA-D IgG test.

Do only CD4 count, and HIV 1 and 2 antibodies ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay). Suppose if you are not suffering from any other underlying illness, you can improve your immune system by taking vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D3, protein-rich food, and following healthy lifestyle like doing regular yoga, meditation, and exercise.

I hope I have resolved your queries. Do get back if you have any further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I still have fatigue and I am still underweight and test positive for EBV, but all blood tests are normal including full blood count and HIV. Is this CAEBV? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Before concluding that it is chronic active EBV infection you need to do a few blood investigations. We need to go with antibody and antigen detection assays like VCA (viral capsid antigen) IgM, VCA IgG, EA (early antigen) IgG, EBNA [EBV (Epstein Barr) nuclear antigen antibodies] IgG, and EBV RT PCR (real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) test. Once you get an EBV infection, the antibodies against EBV nuclear antigen will always be present in the blood, which gives a positive mono test. In this, the virus will be absent, and antibodies produced against it will be there in your blood, which is normal, and you need not worry.

I wish you are not suffering from chronic active EBV infection, as it is extremely rare. But still, I suggest you do the tests. How is your night sweats, and tonsillitis episode? Did you follow my advice on nutrients, yoga, and meditation? Do you have any episodes of fever?

It was a pleasure to have you at icliniq.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath
Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath

Infectious Diseases

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Infectious Diseases

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy