Commonly called "the kissing disease" and "mono," infectious mononucleosis is spread by saliva and is most common in people aged 10 to 30, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Mononucleosis is less contagious than some other infections, such as the common cold, and is spread through contact with saliva. Kissing, sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils, coughs and sneezes can transmit the virus.
Causes and Risk Factors
Epstein Barr virus, or EBV, causes mononucleosis. EBV is a very common virus and is part of the family of viruses that causes herpes, explains Andrew Weil, M.D. Most American adults have been infected with EBV, which usually shows no symptoms. It causes mononucleosis in 30 to 50 percent of infected people. A person that carries the virus but has no symptoms can spread it through kissing, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Less commonly, it spreads via blood transfusion.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and neck, swollen tonsils, fever, headache, a swollen and tender spleen, weakness, sore throat, skin rash, night sweats and poor appetite, notes MayoClinic.com. The AAFP explains that older adults are more likely to have symptoms of an enlarged liver and yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice, rather than swollen glands and a sore throat.
Diagnosis
Mononucleosis can be diagnosed by a history of fever, swollen glands and a sore throat lasting from 1 to 4 weeks. Blood test results, including an elevated white blood cell count and a positive "mono spot" test, can be used to diagnose mononucleosis. A positive Paul-Bunnell heterophile antibody test result confirms a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Treatment
Mononucleosis usually lasts a few months and then resolves on its own, explains Dr. Weil. Patients with an enlarged spleen should avoid heavy lifting and contact sports. As much bed rest as is possible is recommended, especially during the first 2 weeks. No specific treatment is available to treat mononucleoisis, notes MayoClinic.com. Antibiotics are ineffective. Secondary infections, such as strep throat, sinus infection or tonsillitis, may occur and can be treated with antibiotics. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to control symptoms such as a severely swollen throat and tonsils.
Complications
Complications from mononucleosis include a ruptured spleen, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms are sharp and sudden pain in the left upper abdomen, explains MayoClinic.com. Jaundice can indicate hepatitis, a serious inflammation of the liver. Less common complications include swollen tonsils that block the airway, anemia, bleeding from decreased blood clotting, inflammation of the heart and meningitis.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Mononucleosis
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Infectious Mononucleosis
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Epstein-Barr Virus Infectious Mononucleosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis
- Weil: Andrew Weil, M.D.: Epstein-Barr
