Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Other viruses can also cause this disease. It is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.
You're most likely to get mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms if you're a teen or young adult, especially college students. At least 1 out of 4 teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis. Young children usually have few symptoms, and the infection often goes undiagnosed.
Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
· Fatigue
· Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn't get better after treatment with antibiotics
· Fever
· Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
· Swollen tonsils
· Headache
· Skin rash
· Loss of appetite
· Muscle aches or weakness
· Soft, swollen spleen and/or liver. Enlarged spleen and a swollen liver are less common symptoms. For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends.
Causes and spread
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause this disease. Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva.
The virus has an incubation period of about four to six weeks, although in young children this period may be shorter. The incubation period refers to how long before your symptoms appear after being exposed to the virus.
Prevention
Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible. And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus.
The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. No vaccine exists to prevent mononucleosis.
Treatment and recovery
While most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks, some may feel fatigued for several more weeks. You can help relieve symptoms of infectious mononucleosis by:
Rest: Mono makes you very tired. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ease fever, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches. These drugs include Ibuprofen (Advil®) and Naproxen (Aleve®). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) also works.
Sore throat soothers: You can gargle with salt water and use throat lozenges.
Avoid contact sports: Because your spleen may become enlarged as a result of infectious mononucleosis, you should avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise while you’re sick and for up to four weeks afterward. Participating in contact sports can be strenuous and may cause the spleen to rupture.
What are the complications of this condition?
Mononucleosis symptoms tend to gradually improve in about four weeks. Feelings of fatigue can linger for months. Some people miss some school or work as they recover.
An enlarged spleen that ruptures (bursts) is the biggest concern with mono in previously healthy people. This gland in your upper left abdomen (belly) helps filter blood. If your spleen bursts, it can bleed into your abdomen. Internal bleeding from a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening and requires emergency surgery.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13974-mononucleosis Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board