In young children, acute infections are often found. There are types of pathogens that cause them that can cause serious damage to health. To date, the Epstein-Barr virus is considered one of the most dangerous diseases of this kind. Doctors from different countries of the world have been carefully studying its features and manifestations for several years.
What is a microorganism?
Modern medical science has achieved excellent results in its development. Infections that were fatal just a few decades ago are now completely cured. However, it was still not possible to cope with some diseases. Among them is the Epstein-Barr virus.
It was discovered in the sixties of the last century and named after the scientists who first described it. The microorganism is classified as one of the types of herpes pathogens. At first glance, he does not seem so formidable. Indeed, the body’s defenses adapt over time to the presence of a microbe in the blood. However, such an infection can cause severe complications. Among the dire consequences are cancerous tumors, inflammation of the meninges. The Epstein-Barr virus is often found in children.
Most often infected with this infection at an early age.
How is the disease transmitted?
The causative agent is able to move from one person to another through the following methods:
- Through saliva (the largest number of microbes is in it) or with hugs, kisses.
- During coughing, sneezing, talking, pathogens come to the surface.
- Blood transfusion is another way to get infected. This measure is used by doctors in the event of a baby being born prematurely. Sometimes it is done when anemia is detected in a child.
- Bone marrow transplantation. The operation is prescribed for cancerous tumors, low hemoglobin level.
Epstein-Barr virus in children is a fairly common phenomenon today. Half of the pupils of preschool institutions have already suffered it. Moreover, parents may not be aware that their sons or daughters have encountered a similar disease.
Who is most at risk of infection?
Mothers may not worry about the possibility of developing an infection in children under the age of one year. Why do doctors say this? The reason is that most babies are fed breast milk. And this substance improves the body's defenses. And if the mother has pathogens in her blood, the baby’s immunity adapts to it. However, this does not mean that those fed with mixtures necessarily become victims of this disease.
Epstein-Barr virus in children from one to three years is detected quite often. This phenomenon is due to the fact that boys and girls often communicate with relatives. If an adult has an infection in her blood, it can be transmitted by kissing, talking, or hugging. In addition, children at this age are characterized by increased curiosity and interest in all surrounding objects. They strive to take things, toys into their mouths. Because of this, the risk of infection increases significantly. Preschoolers often get sick after they start attending kindergarten.
In people of transitional age, a change in the hormonal background occurs. As a result of such rearrangements, the body becomes weaker. Therefore, viruses are easier to attack adolescents than adults.
Signs of infection
What is characterized by the Epstein-Barr virus, what does this diagnosis mean? When a microorganism enters the human blood, it does not appear for some time. However, then the pathogen makes itself felt. The acute form of EBV is called mononucleosis. It is characterized by pronounced signs. With the Epstein-Barr virus, symptoms in children include the following:
- Severe fatigue, fatigue, increased irritability, frequent crying. Parents cannot explain the reason for this mood of the son or daughter.
- Enlarged and tender lymph glands. There is a swelling in the neck, behind the ears. Sometimes inflammation affects all parts of the patient’s body.
- Loss of interest in food. The child refuses even his favorite treats.
- Bowel problems: flatulence, frequent, loose stools.
- There is a rash on the body in the form of bubbles and dots of a bright red hue.
- Unpleasant sensations in the nose, throat, inflammation of the tonsils. It’s difficult for a child to breathe. The temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius.
- Pain in the abdomen. The liver and spleen increase in size.
- In rare cases, the skin becomes yellow.
The presence of such phenomena for one to two weeks requires seeking medical help. Only a doctor can confirm that Epstein-Barr virus is detected in a child, or disprove it. To clarify the presence or absence of the disease, the patient is sent to several types of examinations.
How to detect a virus infection?
In order to do this, you need to go through several medical events, for example:
- A blood test for the content of various types of cells. It allows you to find out whether the infection is acute or chronic.
- Research on biochemistry.
- Examination to determine the level of lymphocytes.
- An analysis to detect antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in a child.
Infection control methods
To date, no effective remedy to cope with the disease has been found. Treatment consists in improving the general condition of the patient. If the symptoms are pronounced, prescribe drugs that suppress the activity of microorganisms that cause herpes. In severe cases, the child is in the hospital. Since the infection is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the nose and larynx, as well as fever, the following remedies must be used to eliminate these symptoms:
- Sprays, pills, syrups that relieve sore throat. Rinses are recommended only for those children who tolerate this event well and are able to carry it out correctly.
- Solutions containing sea salt, nasal drops. These remedies help stop mucus separation.
- Drugs that lower the temperature.
If children find symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus, doctors do not recommend the use of drugs that include penicillin. These drugs can cause a rash.
Herbs for illness
Epstein-Barr virus in children can be treated with medicinal plants. For example, do a gargle with infusion of mint, sage and chamomile. A decoction of rosehip berries, a solution of lemon juice and water, a hot drink from currants and raspberries will help lower the temperature, rid the body of harmful substances.
However, such methods should only be used in conjunction with the main treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Therefore, if you suspect this infection, it is not recommended to fight the disease on your own. You should show the child to the doctor as soon as possible.
Nutrition in acute course
With the Epstein-Barr virus, treatment in children also consists in observing the correct diet. Since the patient has a fever, the body's defenses are weakened, there is a loss of interest in food, the food should be light, rich in vitamins, well absorbed. The following products are recommended for the patient:
- Fresh vegetables and berries (sweet).
- Skinny steamed or cooked fish.
- Low-fat beef, rabbit meat.
- Buckwheat porridge, oatmeal.
- Rusks.
- Hard cheese, cottage cheese.
- Eggs (no more than one per day).
Patients are forbidden to eat fatty foods. Desserts should also be limited.
Possible consequences
And although the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the blood of a child is recorded approximately within a month after the disappearance of signs, in most cases the disease is characterized by a good prognosis. However, with defects in the immune system, severe course and lack of timely medical care, complications can occur. These include the following conditions:
- Inflammation of the meninges.
- Lag in mental development.
- Diseases of the inner ear, nasal sinuses.
- Cancers of the lymph glands and tonsils.
- Anemia.
- Inflammation of the liver.
The most severe consequence may be damage to the spleen. It occurs as a result of physical activity during the illness and requires urgent surgery.
How to prevent the development of infection?
It is not possible to protect your child from infection with this pathogen. But the sooner he gets sick, the better, since the body's defenses are strengthened and can withstand the attack of these microbes. Prevention consists in hardening by bathing in cool water, walking, using vitamin supplements prescribed by a doctor, a healthy and balanced diet, as well as sports.
It is not recommended to give your child food containing dyes and preservatives. The occurrence of symptoms of diseases in a child requires immediate medical attention. If this infection is suspected, an Epstein-Barr virus test is performed. Parents need to be extremely careful. Indeed, many ailments have similar manifestations, and only doctors are able to accurately determine them. Another preventive measure is the absence of stress in the child. Large crowded areas during outbreaks of infection should also be avoided.