(Infectious
Mononucleosis or "kissing disease")
Mononucleosis
is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The
term "mononucleosis" refers to the increased number of mononuclear
white blood cells found in the bloodstream of an infected person.
The most dramatic symptoms are: fever, sore throat, and enlarged
lymph nodes and spleen. It is contagious only by direct contact
with the saliva of an infected person. This occurs generally
through sneezing, coughing or kissing. It may take 20 to 50
days for symptoms to develop. The virus remains present in the
saliva for at least six months after recovery.
Most
young children become infected with mononucleosis during play,
however their symptoms present only as mild fatigue and a fever
which resolves over a few days. However when mono is contracted
during the teen and young adult years, the symptoms are more
prolonged and exhausting. Your health care provider will recommend
what is necessary to relieve your symptoms. Complications due
to mononucleosis are rare.
How
is mononucleosis diagnosed ?
Adolescents
and young adults with mononucleosis usually seek medical attention
after they realize that their symptoms, primarily the weakness
and fatigue, are persisting and there must be more going on
than the average cold.
Your
health care provider will:
How
will I feel while I have mono ?
A
person infected with mononucleosis will feel extremely tired,
with little energy for several weeks. Other symptoms include:
a low-grade fever, sore throat, swollen glands, nasal congestion,
sore muscles and joints, nausea, headache, lack of appetite,
possible rash, and sensitivity to light.
Energy
levels will be low, therefore the best remedy is Rest, Rest,
and more Rest !! Relapses are common as the body fights to regain
it's strength. Occasionally jaundice (yellow tint to the skin)
will occur due to some inflammation of the liver. Complications
that affect other body systems, such as heart, lungs, and the
nervous system are rare.
What
will my health care provider recommend to treat mononucleosis
?
There
is no specific treatment for mononucleosis. Bedrest and symptomatic
relief is all that is available. It's most important to drink
lots of fluids to prevent dehydration from fever. Maximize your
caloric intake with high-energy foods since your appetite may
be poor. Meals and snacks need to be high in protein (meat,
chicken, fish, eggs), complex carbohydrates (fortified breads,
cereals, pasta), and fruits/vegetables (fresh, raw, or 100%
juices).
If
you have a sore throat: warm salt-water provides relief and
helps kill germs. For fever and aches and pains: over-the-counter
medications will be sufficient. Antibiotics will be prescribed
if you develop strep throat or pneumonia. Steroids are used
only for rare life-threatening complications such as a blocked
airway.
Strenuous
activity including contact sports should be avoided until you
have regained your strength. This is especially important in
order to avoid a relapse and the possibility of rupturing the
spleen which may require emergency surgery. Seek immediate medical
attention if you experience a sudden, sharp pain in the upper
left side of your abdomen.
How
can I prevent from getting mononucleosis ?
The
only prevention is to avoid direct contact (kissing) with anyone
that has a known or suspected active infection. Mononucleosis
cannot be spread by environmental sources or contact which is
not intimate. You may continue your normal activities when feeling
well enough to do so. The Epstein-Barr virus remains present
in the saliva for at least six months after the primary illness,
however the virus will remain present in the body for life.
Written
by Maria Pepitone, RN, BSN, MHM
