Could It Be EBV or Another Issue?
I am a 28-year-old male. On January 20th, I noticed a swollen lymph node in my left underarm and experienced a mild fever that stayed below 37.5°C. I consulted my physician, who examined the lymph node and ordered a complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) test; all results came back normal. My symptoms remained unchanged until January 31st, when I unexpectedly developed swelling in my neck, which I suspect were lymph nodes. My temperature modestly increased to between 37.5 and 37.7°C over the next few days, accompanied by throat pain, although no visible signs of infection were apparent there. After a couple of days, my condition began to improve: the swelling reduced, my temperature fell below 37.5°C, but I experienced a slight runny nose and some coughing for about two days. I repeated the blood tests, and all results remained normal. I then had another brief episode of slightly elevated temperature (never exceeding 37.7°C) that lasted for a week, after which I felt better. I continued to experience lingering symptoms, but the lymph nodes swelled much less than previously. Six weeks after the onset of symptoms, my doctor requested a blood test for mononucleosis, which did not include a comprehensive EBV panel; I received the results swiftly, and my healthcare provider does not conduct specialized testing. Now, two months later, I’m still facing intermittent fevers ranging from 36.8 to 37.2°C throughout the day. During this time, I’ve also experienced several nights of waking up drenched in sweat, which is unusual given the cold winter temperatures. Occasionally, I experience throat pain that lasts a day or two, and I can still feel some lymph nodes. Interestingly, I wonder if what I’m feeling could be related to my thyroid, as my mother suffers from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and there are a history of thyroid issues among the women in my family. Regarding HIV concerns, my only encounter was with a male partner eight years ago during unprotected oral sex, which lasted only a minute or so; he did not ejaculate. My understanding is that this presents a very low risk for transmission, and I have always perceived him as trustworthy, with no acute HIV symptoms ever noted on my part since then. Additionally, I have had COVID-19 four times, the last occurrence being in January 2024, and those instances were without complications. What are your thoughts on my situation? Thank you! :)
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 10:31:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been going through a challenging time with your health, and I appreciate you sharing the details of your symptoms and concerns. Based on the information you provided, it appears you may be experiencing lingering, non-specific symptoms following some form of viral illness. Given the normal blood tests and the improvement you noted, there are a few potential explanations.
Explanation
The symptoms you've described, including swollen lymph nodes, intermittent fevers, night sweats, and throat discomfort, might be related to post-viral syndrome, which can result from previous infections, including viral infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Your previous episodes of COVID-19 could also contribute to lingering symptoms. Concerns over thyroid issues, especially with your family history, are valid; however, symptoms related to Hashimoto's typically include fatigue, changes in weight, and hair loss, among others.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track when you experience fevers, throat pain, or other symptoms. This will help you identify patterns or triggers.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet to support your immune system.
- Rest: Prioritize getting enough rest, as fatigue can worsen symptoms.
- Thyroid Awareness: Consider discussing thyroid tests with your healthcare provider, especially given your family history. A basic TSH test would be a good start.
- Follow-Up: If symptoms persist or worsen, particularly if you develop new symptoms, return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. You might also inquire about a referral to an infectious disease specialist if EBV or other viruses need to be ruled out more definitively.
- Consider Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Evaluate your lifestyle for stressors and ensure you are engaging in activities that promote mental health, as stress can exacerbate physical symptoms.
If you have further questions or require more detailed information, feel free to ask. Take care and focus on your recovery!
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