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Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, also known as Mono, IM, EBV and kissing disease, it is an infectious disease generally transmitted through saliva and mucus. All questions concerning causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments will be found here.
161 Questions
It is a viral infection, caused by the Epstein-barr virus. Commonly known as the kissing disease. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, fatigue, malaise, pharyngeal inflammation, vomiting, petechiae and loss of appetite, lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), hepatitis (refers to inflammation of hepatocytes-cells in the liver) and hemolysis (the bursting of red blood cells).
Mono is a disease caused by kissing someone or drinking after someone. Mono means one, so you can only get it one time.
It is sometimes called the "kissing disease." It is caused by a virus that infects your throat, liver, and blood. Mono is contagious, which means you can spread the virus too.
How can you catch mononucleosis?
Although there is no way to avoid becoming infected with EBV, paying general attention to good hygiene and avoiding sharing beverage glasses or having close contact with people who have mononucleosis or cold symptoms can help.
Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). It is most often seen in adolescents and young adults. Children can get the virus, but it often goes unnoticed because their symptoms are mild. Adults usually do not get mono, because they are immune to the virus. Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the "kissing disease." If you have mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.
What cures Infectious mononucleosis?
It is caused by the EBV virus. The symptoms may disappear with time and treatment, but the virus will remain in the body for the rest of the person's life.
Bottom line: No. Technically it is not curable.
What is the causative agent of mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis can be caused by either cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Both of these viruses belong to the Herpesviridae family. The classical virus that causes mono and a positive monospot test is the Epstein-Barr virus. Both are very common viruses that usually just cause a cold. In some people, usually teens and young adults, they can cause "mono." The form caused by the EBV is by far the most common.
Mononucleosis is a viral infection causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.
Symptoms
Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat slowly gets worse. Your tonsils become swollen and develop a whitish-yellow covering. The lymph nodes in the neck are frequently swollen and painful.
A pink, measles-like rash can occur and is more likely if you take the medicines ampicillin or amoxicillin for a throat infection. (Antibiotics should NOT be given without a positive Strep test.) 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
Less frequently occurring symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hives
- Jaundice (yellow color to the skin)
- Neck stiffness
- Nosebleed
- Rapid heart rate
- Sensitivity to light
- Shortness of breath
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Medicines such as steroids (prednisone) and antivirals (such as acyclovir) have little or no benefit.
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.
You should also avoid contact sports while the spleen is swollen (to prevent it from rupturing).
Causes
Mononucleosis, or mono, is often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as "the kissing disease," and occurs most often in those age 15 to 17. However, the infection may develop at any age.
Mono is usually linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but can also be caused by other organisms such as cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Tests & diagnosis
During a physical examination, the doctor may find swollen lymph nodes in the front and back of your neck, as well as swollen tonsils with a whitish-yellow covering.
The doctor might also feel a swollen liver or swollen spleen when pushing on your belly. There may be a skin rash.
Blood work often reveals a higher-than-normal white blood cell (WBC) count and unusual-looking white blood cells called atypical lymphocytes, which are seen when blood is examined under a microscope. Atypical lymphocytes and abnormal liver function tests are a hallmark sign of the disease.
- A monospot test will be positive for infectious mononucleosis.
- A special test called an antibody titer can help your doctor distinguish a current (acute) EBV infection from one that occured in the past.
Prognosis
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
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. Avoid kissing or sharing utensils if you or someone close to you has mono.
Complications
- Death in persons with weakened immune systems
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hepatitis with jaundice (more common in patients older than 35)
- Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
- Neurological complications (rare), including:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Meningitis
- Seizures
- Temporary facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
- Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
- Secondary bacterial throat infection
- Spleen rupture (rare; avoid pressure on the spleen)
When to contact a doctor
The initial symptoms of mono feel very much like a typical viral illness. It is not necessary to contact a health care provider unless symptoms last longer than 10 days or you develop the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Persistent high fevers (more than 101.5°F)
- Severe headache
- Severe sore throat or swollen tonsils
- Weakness in the arm or legs
- Yellow discoloration of your eyes or skin
What famous people got sick or died from Mononucleosis?
olivia dahl, roald dahls daughter died from mealses encephalitis aged 7 .
What is the origin for mononucleosis?
The discovery of mononucleosis cannot be claimed by any one person, but the term itself was first used by Thomas Peck Sprunt and Frank Alexander Evans in 1920.
For information about how it was discovered, see the Related Question.
Mononucleosis is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva (hence "the kissing disease"), or by sharing a drink, or sharing eating utensils. It may also be transmitted through blood. It is NOT an aiborne disease
You cannot cure mono. Only your body can fight off the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus is a strain of the herpes virus, so it stays in your body for the rest of your life.
Where is infectious mononucleosis commonly found?
It is commonly found in North America because it is known as the North American Mono. It is commonly found in North America because it is known as the North American Mono. It is commonly found in North America because it is known as the North American Mono.
Is there treatment for mono after you have had mono?
No. There is no treatment/cure for mono. The body has to fight it on its own; mono is rarely fatal, so there isn't much to worry about. But your spleen can rupture if you exercise (mono enlarges the spleen), so strict bed-rest is highly recommended.
Yes, your children could get Mono if they have had a blood transfusion or close contact with a person who had Mono.
Yes, a sibling can carry and transmit mononucleosis (Mono), as it is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is commonly spread through saliva. If one sibling has Mono, there's a risk that the other siblings may be exposed to the virus, especially through shared utensils, drinks, or close contact. However, not everyone exposed to the virus will develop symptoms of Mono. Good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Does Mononucleosis affect the spleen?
It can. One of the common complications of infectious mononucleosis is an enlarged spleen, and less commonly rupture of the spleen.
Can you catch mono simply by standing next to a person?
No, you cannot catch mononucleosis (mono) simply by standing next to a person. Mono is primarily transmitted through saliva, often through activities like kissing or sharing drinks or utensils. While close contact can increase the risk of transmission, simply being near someone with mono does not pose a significant risk of infection.
