Mononucleosis | Epstein-Barr virus | mono | kissing disease

 


Infectious mononucleosis is generally called kissing disease. The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis which can be spread through saliva. You can get the infection through kissing but you can also get infection through sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who is infected. Mononucleosis is not a contagious disease like some infections like the common cold.


If you're a teen or young adult, you are more likely to get the mono infection with all the signs and symptoms. Usually, young children will have few of the symptoms and the mono infection will go undiagnosed.


If you are infected with mononucleosis, it is important to carefully watch your complications like enlarged spleen. And mostly rest and intake of fluids are the key facts for recovery.


Causes of mononucleosis (mono)


Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.Other kind of viruses and some infections might bring the illness. Symptoms can develop due to :

  • Adenovirus.

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

  • Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

  • Rubella.

  • Toxoplasmosis.


Symptoms of mononucleosis (mono)


Generally, Symptoms of mononucleosis will vary and they can be very mild and also severe. Usually, symptoms come on gradually. If you are infected with mono, symptoms will probably happen after the 4 to 6 weeks after you come in contact with Epstein-Barr virus. Usually, symptoms may last for up to 4 weeks to longer:


Common symptoms are:


  • Drowsiness

  • Fever

  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling

  • Loss of appetite

  • Muscle aches or stiffness

  • Rash

  • Sore throat

  • Swollen lymph nodes, mostly in the neck and armpit


Less common symptoms are:


  • Chest pain

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Hives

  • Jaundice 

  • Neck stiffness

  • Nosebleed

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Shortness of breath


Mononucleosis risk factors


Usually, following groups are under the highest risk:


  • people between the 15 and 30 years

  • students

  • medical interns

  • nurses

  • caregivers

  • people who take medicines which suppress their immune system


Anyone who comes into close contact with a large group of people is at an highest risk for mononucleosis. Because of this only, high school and college students often get infections.


Diagnosis


Your healthcare professional will examine your symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes in the neck area and looks for the signs of an enlarged spleen or liver.


Blood tests will detect the antibodies which make your body fight the Epstein-Barr virus. Your provider may also check for a number of white cells which indicate infection.


Treatment


There is no vaccine or cure for mononucleosis. Antibiotics help to fight bacterial infection and antiviral drugs to kill other viruses which do not work against mononucleosis. Instead of this, treatment will focus on helping you feel to ease the symptoms. Your care methods are:


  • Rest: Generally, mononucleosis makes you feel tired. Sleep will help your body to fight against infection.

  • Hydration: Intaking more fluids to prevent dehydration.


  • Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help to ease the fever,inflammation,headaches and muscle aches. Some medications are ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®).Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) also works for pain relief.


  • Sore throat soothers: You can use salt water and also throat lozenges to gargle.


  • Avoiding sports: Physical activities will put too much pressure on an enlarged spleen, which increases the risk of rupture. You should  avoid sports and strenuous exercise during the period of illness and up to four weeks afterward.



Complications


Complications of mono infection can be serious for some time.


Mononucleosis will cause spleen enlargement. In some severe cases, your spleen might rupture, causing sharp and sudden pain in the left side of the abdomen. If such severe pain occurs, seek immediate medical attention and you will have surgery.


Liver issues

Liver Problems may also occur:


  • Hepatitis. You may have mild liver inflammation.

  • Jaundice. The yellowing of your skin and white part of your eyes also occurs rarely.



Less common complications


Mononucleosis can also cause some less complications which includes:


  • Anemia which is a decrease in red blood cells and decrease in hemoglobin levels and an decrease in iron-rich protein in red blood cells.

  • Thrombocytopenia which is a low count of platelets, which means blood cells are involved in clotting.

  • Heart problem which is an inflammation of the heart muscles called myocarditis.

  • Complications in the central nervous system are meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome

  • Swollen tonsils which can block your breathing


This Epstein-Barr virus can cause severe illness in people who are having compromised immune systems. People with low or weakened immune systems which include people with HIV/AIDS or people who are taking drugs which suppress immunity after an organ transplantation.


Mono home remedies


Treatment at home is focused on to ease your symptoms. This includes taking counter medications to reduce fever and some techniques which help to calm a sore throat like gargling salt water.


Some of the home remedies that ease the symptoms:


  • Take a lot of rest

  • Keep you hydrated, by drinking water

  • Try to eat a warm foods like chicken soup

  • Eat foods that are anti-inflammatory which boost your immune system.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. Is mononucleosis a serious disease?

Ans: For most people, mono isn't serious, and it improves without treatment. 


Q2. What causes mononucleosis virus?

Ans: Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world.


Q3. What happens in mononucleosis?

Ans: Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and extreme fatigue.


Q4. When can I kiss after mono?

Ans: As a precaution, you should avoid sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, food, and kissing until your sore throat and other symptoms have disappeared for several (4-6) weeks.


Q5. Is mono a lifelong disease?

Ans: If you get mono, the virus stays in your body for life. That doesn't mean that you're always contagious . But the virus can surface from time to time and risk infecting someone else.

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