About Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is an infectious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause the disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. About Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis (mono) 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 glasses or eating utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis is not as contagious as some infections such as the common cold.

You are more likely to have mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms if you are a teenager or young adult. Young children usually have few symptoms, and the infection is often undiagnosed.

If you have mononucleosis, it is important to watch out for certain complications such as an enlarged spleen. Rest and plenty of fluids are key to recovery.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis

Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:

• Fatigue
• Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that does not improve after antibiotic treatment
• fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin friction
• Tender, swollen spleen
• The virus has an incubation period of about four to six weeks, although this period may be shorter in young children. The incubation period refers to how long it takes after being exposed to the virus before you start showing symptoms. Signs and symptoms such as fever and sore throat usually subside within a few weeks. But fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen can last for a few weeks.

Causes of mononucleosis

The most common cause of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses can cause similar symptoms. The virus is spread through saliva, and you can catch it from kissing or sharing food and drink.

Although the symptoms of mononucleosis are uncomfortable, the infection resolves on its own without long-term effects. Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and developed antibodies. This means they are immune and will not get mononucleosis.

Prevention From That Disease

Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you are infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus by not kissing others and by not sharing food, utensils, glasses, and utensils for several days after the fever improves — and if possible longer. . And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Epstein-Barr virus can persist in your saliva for months after infection. There is no vaccine to prevent mononucleosis.

Complications

Complications of mononucleosis can sometimes be serious.

Spleen enlargement
An enlarged spleen
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Mononucleosis can cause an enlarged spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen can rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in your upper abdomen. If this pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately – you may need surgery.

Liver problems

You may also have problems with your liver:

Hepatitis. You may experience mild inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
Jaundice. Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice) also sometimes occurs.

Less common complications

Mononucleosis can also result in less common complications, including:

• Anemia – Decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells
• Thrombocytopenia – low number of platelets, which are involved in blood clotting.
• Heart problems – inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
• Complications involving the nervous system – meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Swollen tonsils – which can obstruct breathing.

The Epstein-Barr virus can cause very serious illnesses in people with weakened immune systems. People with weakened immune systems may include people with HIV/AIDS or people taking drugs to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant.

How do u know if you get mono?

Symptoms You may feel more tired than usual and may have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, the tissue that normally acts as a filter, may become swollen under your arms and in your neck and back. You may experience body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headaches, and even skin rashes.

How long does mono last?

How long does mono last? Symptoms of mono usually go away within 2 to 4 weeks. In some young people, though, fatigue and weakness can last for months.

Is mono always an STD?

Is mono considered an STD? In cases where it is passed through sexual contact, mono may be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although mono is most often spread by contact with saliva. EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family, along with the viruses that cause herpes and chickenpox.

What does mono feel like in the beginning?

Mono can start slowly with fatigue, a general sick feeling, headache, and sore throat. A sore throat gets progressively worse. Your tonsils become swollen and a whitish-yellow cap forms. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful.

What are the four stages of mono?

Yes, mono has three main stages. The first stage is the prodrome stage, followed by the acute stage, and the recovery stage is the third and final stage of mono.

Do I have mono or am I just sick?

“A classic symptom of mono is also swollen lymph nodes in the back of the neck, which you don’t usually see with other viruses.” A quick test: Feel the base of your skull at the back of your neck—these are your occipital lymph nodes; If they are sore, it is probably mono and you should see a doctor.

How long should you isolate if you have mono?

You can pass the virus to other people through your saliva for up to three months after your symptoms subside. Some studies show that you can still be contagious for up to 18 months.

What would happen if mono is left untreated?

Nervous system problems include meningitis, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell’s palsy, and seizures. Some cancers include Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Can I go to work with mono?

Many people with mono have an enlarged spleen, which can last for a few weeks or longer. Although you can return to school or work when you feel better, it is important to avoid activities that could injure the spleen.

What are the three stages of mono?

Stages of Mono

• Phases of mono
• Prodrome stage. Mono infection occurs in three stages. …
• Acute phase. The acute phase, which can last 2 to 6 days, is when symptoms begin to worsen. …
• The recovery phase. The final phase is the healing phase, which can last from 2 to 6 months.

Do you always test positive for mono after having it?

A small number of people with mononucleosis may never test positive. Antibodies peak 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They can last up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test comes back positive even though you don’t have mono.