EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus)

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that infects most people at some point in their lives. It spreads mainly through saliva, often during close contact like kissing or sharing drinks. Many infections are mild or cause no symptoms, but EBV is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis, or "mono," characterized by fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. After initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the body for life, but it can reactivate occasionally without symptoms. EBV is also associated with certain types of cancers and autoimmune conditions.