Mononucleosis, its causes and symptoms
Mononucleosis is an infection caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV).Mononucleosis is spread by close contact or through saliva.It is generally known as kissing disease because kissing is the most common mode of transmission of the disease.The lymph gland swells up due to mononucleosis.About 95 percent of people in United states between the age of 35-40 years suffers from mononucleosis.
The symptoms of mononucleosis are somewhat similar to common flu including fever, pain, fatigue and headache.The disease do not effect the same person again.Sore throat and fever are the symptom that goes off within 10 days or so.But if your lymph nodes or spleen is infected from mononucleosis and has become enlarged then it stays for at least for 4 weeks.
Common cause of Mononucleosis:
The Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) belongs to herpes family of viruses.Salivary glands are the main carrier of the disease and thus the disease is spread due to close intimacy or kissing.Other disorders like coughing and sneezing can also spread the virus but it is not so very effective.
Other medium for the spread of the disease is through blood transfusion, but it occurs in very rare cases.The virus remains in the throat of the person suffering from mononucleosis for a quite long period of time.The risk of EBV transmission can be reduced if you avoid contact with the person suffering from mononucleosis or avoid the exchange of saliva with the contagious person.
Symptoms of Mononucleosis:
Mononucleosis starts with the most common symptoms- sore throat, aches,cough, swelled lymph nodes pain, fatigue, swelled tonsils with white patches, rashes, loss of appetite, and feeling of illness.
There are other symptoms too which are less common and occur after a day or two you get infected by EBV. They are
- Hives
- Enlarged liver
- Enlarged spleen
- stiffness around neck
- Jaundice
Monomucleosis Serious Symptoms
- Pain in abdomen
- Difficulty while you breathe
- Severe headache
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Body weakness
If you are suffering from mononucleosis then try to get a good bed rest during the initial weeks of the infection. Drink lots of water and other healthy fluids.Salt water gargles is very effective try to do it as many times in a day. Avoid activities which strains your body such as exercising,heavy lifting etc.
“The information present here is for general purpose please consult your doctor before taking any medication/therapy”
