Characteristics:
- Mononucleosis (Mono) is usually caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) but can also be caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well. It is most often seen in teens and young adults. Children can have the virus too but their symptoms are generally mild and go unnoticed. Adults usually do not get mono because they have immunity to the virus.
- Mono is spread through saliva or close contact. It is often known as the "kissing disease" because victims usually carry the EBV in the throat, so transmission is generally oral-pharyngeal. Mono is known also as the "college disease" because spread often occurs between dating teenagers/young adults frequently in college.
- Mono can also be transferred through close contact, such as sharing a drink.
- White blood cell count is typically lower than normal.
Symptoms:
- Mono usually begins rather slowly-a general feeling of unwellness, headache and sore throat.
- Sore throats become worse with tonisils swelling and developing a whitish yellow covering.
- Lymph Nodes in the neck are swollen and painful.
- Typical symptoms of mononucleosis include:
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit
- Swollen spleen
Treatment:
- Due to the danger of a ruptured spleen, individuals should restrain from any contact.
- Individuals should also be restricted in activity because their resistance is low.
- Treatment is usually aimed at relieving symptoms: Steroids are often given if symptoms are severe enough.
- Because this is a virus, antibiotics do not work.
- To relieve typical symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Gargle with warm salt water to ease a sore throat.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever.
- The fever usually drops in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen heal in 4 weeks. Fatigue usually goes away within a few weeks, but may linger for 2 to 3 months.
Prevention & Control:
- There is really no way of preventing mono but basic personal hygiene and avoidance of close contact infected individuals can decrease your risk of contracting Mono.
- Avoid kissing or sharing utensils if you or someone close to you has mono.
- Persons with mononucleosis may be contagious while they have symptoms and for up to a few months afterwards. How long someone with the disease is contagious varies. The virus can live for several hours outside the body.
- There is also no way to really control the infection except for public education concerning the means of transmission.