Mononucleosis, also called “Mono,” is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Epstein-Barr Virus, commonly referred to as EBV, is a member of the Herpes Virus family. The virus occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. EBV infection occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood, there is a 35% to 50% chance of developing mono. Many children are infected with EBV; these infections usually cause no symptoms or are indistinguishable from the other mild, brief illnesses of childhood.
How Mono or EBV is Transmitted
Mono is spread through close contact, usually with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, sharing drinking glasses and sometimes tears. Because the virus sometimes spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the “kissing Disease.”
Mono or EBV
Symptoms of Mono or EBV
Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are fever,
· Sore throat
· Swollen lymph glands
· Fever peaking each day in late afternoon or early evening, sometimes up to 40.5°c (105°f)
· Fatigue
· Occasionally, it may involve a swollen spleen or liver
· Rarely, a skin rash or jaundice
Incubation Period of Mono or EBV
The symptoms arrive 4 to 8 weeks after infection. EBV also establishes a lifelong dormant infection in some cells of the body’s immune system.
Diagnosis of Mono or EBV
Symptoms such as swollen glands in the neck, sore tonsils, exhaustion, and extended lack of energy are recognizable as indicators of Mono or EBV. The doctor may order blood tests, particularly the mono spot test. This test detects antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus, but sometimes it is inaccurate during the first week of infection. A complete blood count may be done to see if the number of lymphocytes is higher than normal, which may support the diagnosis. Antibody titer may tell the difference between a current and previous infection.
Treatment of Mono or EBV
There are no effective medications available to treat Mononucleosis or Mono. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are not effective against the virus.
· Patients with serious cases are advised to rest in bed and refrain from activity for 1–2 weeks after symptoms appear
· To relieve the sore throat, patients should drink water, non-citrus fruit juices, and eat bland foods.
· Acetaminophen is helpful along with high fluid intake.
· Gargling with warm water and salt or with mouthwash may also relieve pain.
· Antibiotics taken with mononucleosis can result in a severe skin rash and swelling, and should be taken if prescribed by a physician.
· Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting to avoid swollen spleen rupture
How long would it take to heel?
Symptoms will ease within 10 days, but do not expect to return to your normal activities for 2 to 3 weeks.
