Mononucleosis (mono) is also known as the kissing illness. The monovirus (Epstein-Barr virus) is transferred by saliva. You may acquire it by kissing, but you can also get it via sharing a drink or food utensils with someone who has it. Mononucleosis, on the other hand, is not as communicable as certain diseases, such as the common cold.
If you're a teen or young adult, you're more likely to acquire mononucleosis with all of the symptoms. Young children typically have minimal symptoms, and the illness is frequently misdiagnosed.
If you have mononucleosis, you should be cautious of consequences such as an enlarged spleen. Rest and plenty of water are essential for recuperation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MONONUCLEOSIS?
Mononucleosis symptoms and signs may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Lymph nodes in your neck and armpits that are swollen
- Tonsils swollen
- Headache
- Rashes on the skin
- Swollen, soft spleen
- Sore throat, perhaps mistaken as strep throat, that does not improve after antibiotic therapy
The virus has an incubation period of four to six weeks, albeit this time may be shorter in young children. The incubation period is the time it takes for symptoms to manifest after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms like as fever and sore throat normally subside after a few weeks. However, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and a bloated spleen may persist for several weeks longer.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MONONUCLEOSIS?
The Epstein-Barr virus is the most prevalent cause of mononucleosis, although other viruses can also produce comparable symptoms. This virus is carried by saliva and can be contracted through kissing or sharing food or beverages.
Although the symptoms of mononucleosis are unpleasant, the illness cures on its own and has no long-term consequences. Most individuals have had Epstein-Barr virus exposure and have developed antibodies. This indicates they are immune and will not contract mononucleosis.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF MONONUCLEOSIS?
Mononucleosis complications might be severe at times.
Mononucleosis can induce spleen enlargement. In severe situations, your spleen may burst, causing strong, abrupt pain in your upper left abdomen. If you have severe agony, get medical assistance right once; you may require surgery.
Liver problems
Your liver may also have problems:
- Hepatitis: Mild liver irritation is possible (hepatitis).
- Jaundice: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) can also occur on occasion.
Complications that are less prevalent
Mononucleosis can also cause less common problems, such as:
- Anemia: a reduction in red blood cells as well as hemoglobin, an iron-rich molecule found in red blood cells
- Thrombocytopenia: a low platelet count (blood cells involved in clotting)
- Heart issues: an inflammatory condition of the cardiac muscle (myocarditis)
- Complications of the nervous system: Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, and encephalitis
- Swollen tonsils: which can obstruct breathing
In those with compromised immune systems, the Epstein-Barr virus can cause considerably more serious sickness. People with HIV/AIDS or those using medicines to reduce immunity following an organ transplant may have impaired immune systems.
HOW IS MONONUCLEOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Physical examination
Your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms, the duration of your illness, and a physical exam. He or she will examine for symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes, tonsils, liver, or spleen and assess how they connect to the symptoms you describe.
Blood tests
Antibody tests: If further confirmation is required, a monospot test to screen your blood for Epstein-Barr virus antibodies may be performed. The results of this screening test are available within a day. However, it may miss the infection during the first week of sickness. A separate antibody test takes longer to get results, but it can detect the condition even in the first week of symptoms.
White blood cell count: Other blood tests may be performed by your doctor to search for an abnormally high number of white blood cells (lymphocytes). These blood tests will not prove mononucleosis, but they will raise the chance.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR MONONUCLEOSIS?
There is no particular treatment for infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses such as mono. Treatment mostly entails self-care, such as obtaining adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, and drinking lots of water. To manage a fever or sore throat, you can use over-the-counter pain medicines.
Medications
- Treating secondary infections and other problems: A streptococcal (strep) infection can accompany the painful throat of mononucleosis. You might possibly have a sinus infection or a tonsil infection (tonsillitis). If this is the case, you may require antibiotic therapy for various bacterial illnesses.
Corticosteroids may be used to treat severe airway constriction.
- Some drugs have the risk of causing a rash: Amoxicillin and other antibiotics, particularly penicillin-based medications, are not indicated for patients with mononucleosis. In reality, some mononucleosis patients who take one of these medicines may develop a rash. However, the rash does not always indicate that they are allergic to the antibiotic. Other medications that are less likely to induce a rash are available if needed to treat infections associated with mononucleosis.
HOME REMEDIES FOR MONONUCLEOSIS
Aside from obtaining enough of rest, the following methods can help alleviate mononucleosis symptoms:
- Consume plenty of water and fruit juices: Fluids reduce fever and sore throats while also preventing dehydration.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication: As required, use acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, for example). These medications do not have antiviral characteristics. Take these only if you are in discomfort or have a fever.
When providing aspirin to adolescents or teens, proceed with caution. Although aspirin is permitted for use in children above the age of three, children and teens suffering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take it. This is due to the fact that aspirin has been connected to Reye's syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal illness in young children.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water: To treat a sore throat, repeat this procedure numerous times each day. 8 ounces (237 milliliters) warm water, 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
HOW CAN MONONUCLEOSIS BE PREVENTED?
Mononucleosis is transmitted by saliva. If you are sick, you may help prevent the virus from spreading to others by avoiding kissing them and not sharing food, plates, glasses, or utensils until your fever has subsided – and even longer if feasible. Remember to wash your hands frequently to prevent the infection from spreading.
The Epstein-Barr virus can live in your saliva for months after you've been infected. There is no vaccination to prevent mononucleosis.