Mononucleosis

Infectious Mononucleosis is also known as the kissing disease, mono, glandular fever, and Pfeiffers Disease. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) which goes and infects B cells. Mainly adolescents and young adults are susceptible to the infection. The Mononucleosis infection can cause fever, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, fatigue,muscle weakness, soar throat, the eyes can become puffy and swollen, dry cough, enlarged tonsils, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache,dizziness,loss of appetite and depression. It can also cause the spleen to swell up, and other major symptoms can include Hepatitis which is inflamation of the liver, Jaundice, and Anemia which causes deficiency of the red blood cells. Symptoms often last for one to two months and after that can remain dormant in the B cells and resurface at a later date. At times those who are exposed to the Epstein-Barr Virus will never show symptoms and remain silent carriers. In rare cases death has resulted from Mononucleosis due to severe Hepatitis or splenic rupture. Now if you do suffer from fatigue due to the infection, it has been shown that even months after the Epstein-Barr Virus is controlled by the immune system, that the fatigue can linger on for months after.

If you are positive for Mononucleosis a series of tests will show an elevated white blood cell count and an abnormal liver. There are three specific tests done for EBV. The first is a monospot test which will show if you are positive for Infectious Mononucleosis. The second is Epstein-Barr Virus antigen by immunofluorescence to show if you are positive for EBV and third Epstein-Barr Virus antibody titers to help figure out acute infection from the past EBV infections.

You can get Mononucleosis through asymptomatic people already exposed to it.The three known ways of contracting Mononucleosis is through saliva which is also why it is popularly known as the kissing disease, by sharing a drink, or sharing eating utensils. On the bright side those individuals who are exposed to the virus will become infected and recover, and antibodies are developed which will create a life long immunity for further infections.

During the acute phase of Infectious Mononucleosis rest is definitley recommended and once the acute phase of the infection has passed you can resume minor activities. As for heavy physical activity and contact sports, they should be avoided for a month after intial infection otherwise you can risk a splenic rupture. If you feel you are infected with Mononucleosis and show the signs and symptoms listed in this article then contact your medical provider and get checked.

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