Many individuals face the danger of worsening infections and also diseases, due to false assumptions. When it comes to Epstein Barr, many mistake it for Lyme ailment due to many similar symptoms shared by the 2. The following factors will let you see the commonalities as well as distinctions of Lyme disease and Epstein Barr to assist you to understand more about the 2 illnesses:
Cause
While Lyme ailment is caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdoferi, Epstein Barr is caused by a virus from the herpes virus family. Lyme ailment could be transmitted via a bite of a tick, usually a deer tick that is contaminated with the bacteria. The virus triggering Epstein Barr, however, can be transported from a contaminated person to another through his or her saliva during romantic contact.
Signs and symptoms
The similarity between the two illnesses is they both reveal flu-like signs and symptoms, like fevers, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. There are, nevertheless, other symptoms for each infection which make them distinctive from each other. Other Epstein Barr symptoms include an unpleasant sore throat, enlarged tonsils, decrease of appetite, bloating, perspiration, and sometimes, severe fatigue. In unusual situations, the central nervous system might be affected, but Epstein Barr has never been dangerous. Other Lyme disease symptoms, however, include an obvious allergy, erythema migrans, visible during its early stage, and joint pains. The illness, if not diagnosed and handled early, could develop to more serious heart and also nerve problems, along with chronic arthritis.
Diagnosis
Both Lyme disease and Epstein Barr could be identified with blood testing and also clinical tests, accompanied by the patient’s symptoms. The Epstein Barr virus might be verified if there is an increased white blood cell count, and also by the percentage of atypical white cells. A positive response to a “mono spot” test also claims the existence of Epstein Barr virus. For Lyme ailment, it may be easier for the doctor to identify if the patient displays the bulls-eye allergy along with other Lyme disease symptoms and if the sufferer mentions a tick bite. Laboratory tests are then performed to confirm the bacteria leading to Lyme disease.
Treatment solution
At this time, there is no vaccine or anti-viral medications available to avoid and heal Epstein Barr virus. At the moment, steroids are used to lessen swelling of the tonsils and throat. The infection typically takes below 4 months. Alternatively, since Lyme disease is due to bacteria, a period of oral antibiotic remedy must cure the disease. For serious Lyme disease, anti-biotics given intravenously may be necessary for a better treatment.
Lyme diease and Epstein Barr are 2 distinct infections, even with several similar signs and symptoms. You will need to identify one from the other in order avoid false assumptions. To be safe, always visit your physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.