The condition known as the "kissing disease" refers to the medical diagnosis of mononucleosis, a viral illness usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is transmitted through infected saliva such as through kissing. It also is spread by a sneeze, cough or sharing dining utensils and toothbrushes with people who have mononucleosis. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that it occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 15 and 17, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that around 95 percent of American adults aged 35 to 40 have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.
Fatigue and Sore Throat
The incubation period for this virus is around 4 to 6 weeks after exposure, so symptoms usually appear around this time. A noticeable symptom of mononucleosis or mono is extreme fatigue. The fatigue caused by this virus is not just a case of being very tired; it is a thorough fatigue to where no amount of rest seems to help. This fatigue may last for several months. Also, another persistent symptom of mono is having a very sore throat. White patches can present that may give the impression of being strep throat, however, this symptom isn't alleviated by a regimen of antibiotics. Moreover, the sore throat may persist for several weeks to several months. One generally just feels ill with headaches and a possible red skin rash. Get medical attention if these symptoms do not go away in a few days.
Swollen Lymph Nodes and Fever
A high temperature is another symptom of mono that usually appears with swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. So, if one has the combined symptoms of swollen lymph nodes and a persistently high temp, then contact a physician promptly.
Enlarged Spleen
In certain cases, mono causes one's spleen to swell with tenderness in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal area. This symptom is very serious is considered a medical emergency. If pain in this area occurs along with any of the other symptoms then gjo see a doctor immediately or go to an emergency room for prompt attention
Treatment and Outcomes
When this condition persists for more than 6 months, it may be referred to as chronic EBV even though an active EBV infection may not be found. This situation may lead to the medical step of seeing if the patient in question meets the criteria for what is called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). At this point, there is no specific treatment for mononucleosis or EBV other than treating and soothing the symptoms. After someone has been infected with EBV he/she remains infected for life; that is, it stays dormant in the person with periodic recurrences, yet without the full list of original symptoms during these episodes. Thus, outcomes are variable by case with the possibility of recurring episodes later in life from the time of initial exposure. One may need to make lifestyle changes in order to make self-care a lifetime priority.
