Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is caused by the Epstein Barr virus and is often spread through saliva. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and fatigue, and the virus can remain dormant in the body for life. Treatment involves rest and self-care, and severe cases may require corticosteroids.
Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease caused by the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), a type of herpesvirus. EBV infection is also known as mono or kissing disease because it is often spread through direct contact with saliva. Mononucleosis occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with the virus during their lifetime. EBV infection often occurs in children without causing serious symptoms, but adolescents and adults who contract the virus can experience a more debilitating disease process that can last up to four months. While the symptoms of EBV infection typically go away on their own after one to two months, the virus can lie dormant within a patient’s body for life, occasionally becoming active and spreading to others without causing symptoms in the host.
Most cases of infectious mononucleosis occur in adolescents and adults under the age of 35. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. In more severe infections, swelling of the liver or spleen may occur. Rarely, the infection can spread to the central nervous system or heart and can also cause the spleen to burst. Any of these situations is considered a medical emergency. Death from mononucleosis infection is, however, quite rare.
Most patients with infectious mononucleosis recover in one to four months. Symptoms usually appear four to six weeks after exposure to the virus. The virus typically spreads through direct contact with saliva, so infected people should avoid kissing others or sharing utensils, glasses, and toothbrushes. Once the disease has run its course, the symptoms usually go away on their own, never coming back. EBV, however, remains in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing the disease to spread to others.
Infectious mononucleosis is usually diagnosed through a monospot test, a type of blood test that checks for the presence of the Epstein Barr virus in the body. Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease that is usually not fatal, so treatment often involves bed rest and proper self-care. People infected with EBV are typically asked to stay in bed and avoid contact with others at school or work until the virus runs its course. Throat lozenges can be used to relieve sore throat associated with infectious mononucleosis, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to ease the pain of head and body aches. If swelling of the tonsils, lymph nodes, throat, liver, or spleen is severe, corticosteroid medications may be given to prevent the life-threatening complications that can occur with the inflammation.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
