Infectious mononucleosis, also called the kissing disease and mono, is viral infection. Although everyone is at risk for catching mono, it is most common for individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Younger children who have mono generally have milder symptoms than older kids. There is no cure for the condition and the treatment for mononucleosis focuses on relieving the symptoms of the infection.
Causes
The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. This virus spreads through contact with saliva and mucus. Exposure to these fluids occurs during kissing, sneezing, coughing and sharing drinks and eating utensils with an infected person. Individuals can spread the virus before knowing about the infection because it may take a few weeks for the first symptoms to begin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a mono virus begin about four to six weeks after exposure. The first symptom is usually fatigue and general feelings of sickness. Several days to a week later, a fever develops. The fever generally occurs in the afternoons and early evenings and may get as high as 103F, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. A sore throat with swollen tonsils and pus accompany the fever. Infected individuals may mistake mono for the flu. Swollen lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may also occur with the mono virus.
Diagnosis
A physician diagnoses a mono virus based on symptoms the individual experiences. In addition to a physical exam, a blood test, called the Monospot test, confirms the diagnosis. In order for the Monospot test to read positive, at least two weeks must pass between infection and testing, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. After four weeks, the test may read negative because the antibodies tested decrease as the infection resolves.
Treatment
Treatment for mononucleosis includes relieving the symptoms of the virus. Rest helps the body fight the infection. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen help relieve a fever and ease the pain of a sore throat. Increasing fluids helps prevent dehydration and soothes the throat. Lozenges, gargling with salt water and sucking on ice pops may also help comfort the pain in the throat. Corticosteroids may help decrease the swelling in the throat.
Complications
Complications associated with mononucleosis include problems with the spleen and the liver. The enlargement of the spleen increases the risk for rupture. A ruptured spleen may require emergency surgery to repair. An inflammation of the liver, called hepatitis, may occur with the mono virus. As damage occurs to the liver, an individual may develop jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
