Mononucleosis
(Infectious Mononucleosis; Mono)
Definition:
Mononucleosis is a viral disease characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue.
Causes:
Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While other viruses can cause mono-like symptoms, EBV is generally thought to be the virus which causes mononucleosis. Found mainly in saliva and mucus, EBV is passed most efficiently from person-to-person by intimate behavior, such as kissing.
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Many people contract EBV during their lifetime. Risk factors that increase the likelihood that EBV will develop into mononucleosis include:
- Contracting EBV after the age of 10
- Lowered immune resistance, due to other illness, stress, or fatigue
- Living in close quarters with a large number of people, such as in a college dormitory
One episode of mononucleosis produces permanent immunity, so in general you can only get mononucleosis once.
Symptoms:
Signs of mononucleosis usually begin about 4-7 weeks after you were exposed to the virus. The initial symptoms may be a sense of general malaise that lasts about a week. This is followed by a set of signs and symptoms that may include:
- High fever
- Severely sore throat
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Enlargement of the spleen
- Swollen tonsils
- Mild jaundice
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on:
- Your age
- Four primary Symptoms:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Two primary tests:
- Blood tests and "mono spot" tests
- Throat culture (to check for strep throat, which can complicate mono)
Treatment:
There is no treatment to cure mononucleosis or to shorten the length of illness. It usually runs its course in 4-6 weeks, although the fatigue may linger.
During the first month after diagnosis, patients should avoid contact sports, since inflammation of the spleen from mononucleosis puts individuals at a high risk of splenic rupture.
Treatment includes:
Relief of Symptoms
- Nonprescription pain relievers to lessen aches and pains and control fever (avoid aspirin, especially in children)
- Gargling with warm, salty water to relieve sore throat
- Steroids are sometimes used if the swelling in the throat is interfering with breathing, or if a complication involving low platelet counts or anemia occurs
Comfort
- Rest and fluids
- No heavy lifting or exercise for at least one month after recovery (this decreases the risk of rupturing an enlarged spleen that may have developed as part of this illness)
Prevention:
Most people contract the EBV virus sometime during their lives. Prevention is geared toward decreasing the likelihood that EBV will develop into mononucleosis. Follow these guidelines to decrease your risk:
- Avoid intimate contact (especially kissing) with anyone who has active mononucleosis
- Eat a healthful diet
- Avoid excess stress
- Get enough rest
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