Mononucleosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Mononucleosis or mono is a disease caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is spread through saliva. That is why this disease is also known as ‘The Kissing Disease’ or kissing disease.
This disease can attack all people, but it is more common in their teens. Usually, people will only experience this disease once in a lifetime. When you have been infected with EBV, the body will make the immune system against the virus.
This disease does not cause symptoms when it affects very young children, such as 1 year of age. Mononucleosis usually doesn’t cause serious illness and gets better on its own in 1–2 months. Mono can also be a secondary infection from other diseases such as tonsillitis or sinusitis.
Symptom
Symptoms of mononucleosis usually appear after infection (incubation period) for about 4–6 weeks. Disease by EBV gives symptoms such as:
- high fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- sore throat
- headache
- weak
- muscle weakness
- swelling of the tonsils or tonsils
- night sweats
- swelling of the spleen and liver (rare)
Reason
Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. EBV is also one of the most common viruses that infect humans worldwide.
This virus spreads through direct contact with saliva from the patient’s mouth or other body fluids such as blood, such as:
- cough or sneeze
- kissing
- share food or drink
- sexual contact
- organ transplant
Diagnosis
It is difficult to differentiate between mononucleosis and the common cold or hepatitis A. Doctors will usually make a diagnosis of mononucleosis if the person is 15–25 years old and has typical symptoms. Some of the typical signs of this disease are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits or genitalia.
Follow-up examinations such as blood tests, namely high lymphocytes indicate mono-infection. Another test that can make a diagnosis of mono is a mono spot test that looks for antibodies, which are usually produced when infected with EBV.
A more specific test is the EBV antibody test. This examination can be done in the first week of the onset of symptoms. However, the results may take longer to come out.
Treatment
Mononucleosis disease will usually heal by itself. There is no specific treatment for mono. Here are some treatments that can support healing:
- anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids
- antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol
- salt water gargling
- plenty of rest
- drink a lot of water
- eat hot chicken soup
Prevention
It is difficult to prevent mononucleosis. Nearly everyone has been infected with mono by the age of 35.