Summary about Disease
Mononucleosis, often called "mono" or the "kissing disease," is an infectious illness typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It's characterized by fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. While generally not serious, symptoms can be debilitating and persist for several weeks.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Extreme fatigue
Fever
Sore throat, often severe
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
Headache
Skin rash
Enlarged spleen (less common)
Swollen tonsils
Causes
Mononucleosis is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Less frequently, it can be caused by other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). The virus is typically spread through saliva, which is why it's known as the "kissing disease.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medication to cure mononucleosis. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and sore throat pain. Aspirin should be avoided in children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Rest: Getting plenty of rest is crucial for recovery.
Corticosteroids: In some cases, a doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of the throat or tonsils, but this is not routine.
Antiviral medications Antiviral medications are generally ineffective against EBV and are not typically used to treat mononucleosis.
Is Communicable
Yes, mononucleosis is communicable. It's most often spread through saliva. It is typically most contagious when the person is actively showing symptoms, although the virus can be shed even before symptoms appear and for some time after recovery.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of mononucleosis:
Avoid sharing drinks, food, and personal items (like toothbrushes, utensils, and lip balm).
Practice good hygiene (wash hands frequently).
Avoid kissing or close contact with others, especially when you have symptoms.
Avoid strenuous activities during the acute phase of the illness, as splenic rupture is a rare but possible complication.
How long does an outbreak last?
The acute phase of mononucleosis, with the most severe symptoms, typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. However, fatigue can persist for several weeks or even months after the other symptoms have resolved. Some individuals may experience lingering fatigue for 6 months or longer.
How is it diagnosed?
Mononucleosis is typically diagnosed based on:
Physical examination: A doctor will look for signs like swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, and spleen.
Blood tests:
Monospot test: A rapid test that detects heterophile antibodies, which are often present in mononucleosis. This test can sometimes be negative early in the illness.
EBV antibody tests: More specific tests that can confirm a recent EBV infection. These tests detect different antibodies to EBV, such as IgM and IgG.
Complete blood count (CBC): Can show an elevated white blood cell count with atypical lymphocytes.
Liver function tests: These are used to evaluate if mononucleosis has affected your liver.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary, but a general progression is:
Incubation period: 4-6 weeks (time between infection and symptom onset).
Initial symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, and headache may develop gradually.
Acute phase: Sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes typically appear and worsen over several days to a week. This phase lasts 2-4 weeks.
Recovery phase: Symptoms gradually improve, but fatigue may persist for weeks or months.
Important Considerations
Splenic Rupture: Avoid strenuous activities, especially contact sports, for several weeks after diagnosis to minimize the risk of splenic rupture.
Secondary Infections: Sore throat can sometimes be due to a secondary bacterial infection (strep throat). A doctor can test for this and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Liver Involvement: Mononucleosis can sometimes affect the liver, causing mild hepatitis. Alcohol and other substances that can harm the liver should be avoided during recovery.
Chronic EBV infection: In rare cases, EBV infection can become chronic, potentially leading to other health problems.
Long-Term Effects: Most people recover fully from mononucleosis. However, some individuals may experience persistent fatigue or other complications.