Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious Mononucleosis is often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing sickness” by young adults and teens. This disease is highly viral and spread around all corners of the world. It is one of the most common viral diseases. Over 90% of grown adults have had the disease or at least been exposed to the virus. While children in 3rd world countries are more likely to develop the disease, they are never fully diagnosed. Young adults in 1st world countries and developed cities are most likely to be diagnosed; therefore, it appears that more people are infected with it.

Infectious Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. That is why it is often referred to as the kissing disease. The truth is saliva can be on a number of different surfaces ranging from countertops to doorknobs. You never know when you will come in contact with someone else’s saliva. Kissing is certainly not the only way it is spread. It incubates for 1 month to nearly 2 months before symptoms show.

Signs and Symptoms of Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis may initially seem like the flu or another viral infection. At first the disease doesn’t even display any symptoms or signs. The main symptoms are sore throat, fever, constant fatigue, some weight loss, pharyngeal inflammation, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are very similar to other infections and all of them may not affect the person at once. Other symptoms include bursting red blood cells, enlargement of the liver and even jaundice. In extremely rare situations the patient may experience low platelet levels, spleen trouble, and other severe symptoms.

For some individuals an autoimmune disease is a possible secondary disease. This secondary complication is known as “cold agglutinin disease.” Unfortunately since the symptoms of these conditions are so vague and closely related to other diseases, doctors usually misdiagnose them as something else, such as Strep.

How Infectious Mononucleosis is Spread

Infectious Mononucleosis is spread through Saliva. This can mean drinking or eating after someone infected, or kissing them. Anytime saliva is swapped between individuals, the risk of developing mono is increased dramatically. Since many people don’t know that they have mononucleosis, they rarely know that they should be controlling who they share liquids and foods with. Some people are known to be carriers of the disease and will not get any symptoms and may spread the disease to several other people throughout their infection with the disease. The best prevention method in this case is to ensure not to share food or drink with friends, family or anyone else.

Sometimes saliva transfer is accidental in several ways. Someone that has a problem with keeping their hands out of their mouth can spread it to others when they shake hands or handle food. Sometimes the accidental drinking of another person’s drink can simply pass the virus.

Diagnosing Mononucleosis

There are a few different methods for diagnosing and testing for mononucleosis. If you suspect that you do have mono, it is important to tell your doctor immediately. Some doctors choose to identify a sickness just by looking, and that can lead to misdiagnosis. Diagnostic testing is performed to confirm mononucleosis in patients. The main test they use is called a “monospot test.”

Since several of the people who get mononucleosis simply show very tired symptoms it is important to look into the diagnostic options to ensure that it is not misdiagnosed by doctors as simple laziness or sleep deprivation or other common misconceptions when they see the effects of the disease on individuals. Sometimes the disease can allow windows of relief and people can get active but all of a sudden feel tired and very sluggish.

Treating Mononucleosis

Generally if an individual is misdiagnosed with another condition, antibiotics will be prescribed “accidentally.” If accurately diagnosed with mono then the individual will need to simply rest. Sleeping and avoiding work and school is the most important thing. The more you go into public places, the worse you can get. You can also spread the condition to other people. Pain relievers and fever reducers are also very important. Warm liquids like tea are beneficial to healing. Gargling salt water is recommended so that the sore throat can heal. Overall, it is most important to avoid heavy activities. Even if you feel fine you must receive approval from a doctor before going ahead with playing sports or lifting weights.

Again, carriers of the disease may not show any symptoms while remaining highly infectious to other individuals. It is likely that these individuals go for a very long period of time spreading the disease and can even go undiagnosed until the disease is already out of the body. The best way to track a person down that may be a carrier is to look into the people who have gotten the infection recently. They will be asked if they have shared food or drink or have been engaged in kissing or intimate contact with other individuals. This can help to find these individuals and have them subject to a monospot test.

Important Facts About Mono

When treating mono you should always remain secluded. It may be boring or difficult to avoid seeing your friends, but it is in the best interest of yourself and others. Mono is contagious for as long as they have uncontrolled symptoms. Generally doctors say that the individual should avoid sharing “saliva” with other people for as long as possible. The longer you go without kissing someone or sharing foods and liquids, the better off everyone else is. At some point in the future you will no longer be contagious. The disease seems to weaken to a point because the body tries very hard to get rid of it. This extreme work load for the body is what usually causes the body to be weak and tired all of the time.

Some people experience symptoms for a long time after the main phase is over. This is usually in the form of extreme drowsiness and lethargy. These will fade after maintaining good health and eating a healthy diet. Regular exercise may help to improve the condition as well as regaining strength from being inactive for long periods of time. The best course of action is to simply look into the best options that are available for diet and exercise that are recommended by a doctor. Keeping in touch with a doctor to manage the symptoms is important as they can track the progress of the recovery and so much more.

Once you have mono you will never get mono symptoms again. The virus stays within the body but after several years it will not affect the individual or others at all. If you get similar symptoms again you should see a doctor. These symptoms could be related to a number of other conditions that cause fevers, sore throat, and loss of appetite. Mononucleosis is a very common disease amongst young people and can be easily spread to several others without the proper containment of the disease. It is very easy to have saliva exchanges even if you are not trying to as some people could forget which glass was theirs or accidently take someone else’s glass without knowing.