Epstein-Barr Virus: Causes

What causes an Epstein-Barr virus infection?

Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the herpesvirus family of viruses. The Epstein-Barr virus is contagious and spreads from person to person through intimate contact in which saliva is exchanged. This is why mononucleosis, which is often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is commonly referred to as “the kissing disease.”

The Epstein-Barr virus can spread from person to person by such activities as:

• Kissing

• Sharing unwashed water bottles, drinking glasses, eating utensils and dishes, and personal items used in and around the mouth, such as toothbrushes and lip balm

• Spitting in the face near or in the mouth, or on the lips

What are the risk factors for catching the Epstein-Barr virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus can occur in any age group or population. Almost everybody will develop an Epstein-Barr virus infection at some point during their lives, but a number of factors increase the risk of catching the disease.

Risk factors include any activity that exposes you to the saliva of a person who carries the Epstein-Barr virus. Carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus may not appear ill but can still spread the disease. Risk factors include:

• Kissing

• Sharing unwashed water bottles, drinking glasses, eating utensils and dishes, and personal items used in and around the mouth, such as toothbrushes and lip balm

• Spitting in the face near or in the mouth, or on the lips

Reducing your risk of catching an Epstein-Barr virus infection

The Epstein-Barr virus is an extremely common virus that infects most people at one time or another during their lifetimes. In addition, many people who have had an Epstein-Barr virus infection may carry the virus in their saliva after they are no longer sick, which means they can continue to spread the infection.

Because of this, there is little that can be done to prevent its spread. However, avoiding contact with another person's saliva by not sharing unwashed water bottles or drinking or eating utensils and toothbrushes is still a good disease prevention measure. Washing hands frequently throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds is a good habit that can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in general.