WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES EPSTEIN – BARR VIRUS CAUSE? When you are first infected. Typically when you are first infected with Epstein – Barr virus the symptoms include: fatigue fever inflamed throat swollen lymph nodes in the neck enlarged spleen swollen liver rash Usually these symptoms only last for a little bit ( 2 – 4 ) weeks and then you feel better. The virus is considered self – limiting and is sometimes mild to where you may not have known you had it or you just thought it was a cold or the flu. Typically doctors just recommend rest and fluids during this time. WHAT ABOUT REACTIVATION?