Mononucleosis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment!
Mononucleosis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. In addition , Mononucleosis , also known as kissing disease, is a contagious disease caused by a virus of the herpes family called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), transmitted through saliva. Mononucleosis is more common in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by symptoms of fever, sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes.
What Causes Mononucleosis:
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Mononucleosis is caused by EBV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EBV is a member of the herpes virus family and is one of the most common viruses to infect humans worldwide.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person’s mouth and cannot be transmitted through contact with blood. You can be exposed to the virus by coughing or sneezing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks with someone who has mono.
It usually takes four to eight weeks for symptoms to develop after infection. In teenagers and adults, the infection causes visible symptoms in 35 to 50 percent of cases. In children, the virus usually causes no symptoms and the infection is often unrecognized.
What are the Symptoms of Mononucleosis:
The incubation period for the virus is the time between when you contract the infection and when you start having symptoms. It takes four to six weeks. The signs and symptoms of mono typically last one to two months. Symptoms can include:
- fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits
- a headache
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- swollen tonsils
- night sweat
- Occasionally, your spleen or liver may also swell, but mononucleosis is rarely fatal.
Mono is difficult to distinguish from other common viruses such as the flu. If your symptoms don’t improve after a week or two of home treatment, such as resting, getting enough fluids, and eating healthy foods, see your doctor.
Who is at Risk for Mononucleosis:
The following groups are at higher risk of getting mono:
- Young people between 15 and 30 years old
- Students
- medical interns
- nurses
- caregivers
People who take medications that suppress the immune system Anyone who regularly comes into contact with large numbers of people is at a higher risk of mono. That’s why high school and college students often contaminate each other.
How is Mononucleosis Treated?
There is no specific treatment for Mononucleosis . However, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medication to reduce swelling in your throat and tonsils. Symptoms usually resolve on their own in one to two months.
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Treatment is aimed at relieving your symptoms. This includes using over-the -counter (OTC) medications to reduce fever and techniques to soothe a sore throat , such as making saltwater throats. Other home treatments that may relieve symptoms include:
- resting a lot
- Staying hydrated, ideally drinking water
- Eating hot chicken soup
- Using OTC pain medications like Tylenol
- Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have severe abdominal pain.