Infectious Mononucleosis

The infectious mononucleosis belongs to the herpes virus family which can be transmitted from one person to another with the exchange of saliva through kissing, using the same utensils or from coughing and sneezing. This type of infection is caused by the EBV or Eppstein-Barr virus which can be caught by anyone from children to adults. The symptoms may disappear for a while but can recur in later years. Children who are exposed to this virus often exhibit flu-like symptoms but will usually disappear after a few days or weeks. In countries that are still in the process of developing, the infectious mononucleosis is prevalent in teenagers and young adults.

Infectious Mononucleosis Symptoms

How can you determine if you are positive for infectious mononucleosis? Like it was mentioned before, the symptoms of this infection can appear to be the same as that of the flu. To understand what symptoms you should watch out for, here is a list you need to keep in mind:

  • Sore throat
  • Inflammation of the pharynx
  • Absence of appetite
  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Hepatitis
  • Enlarged spleen

These symptoms are but a few examples of the most common signs. Depending on how severe the infection is, there are other symptoms that can be discovered upon closer inspection by a specialist.

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis

Diagnosing infectious mononucleosis requires blood tests. If there is about 50% of lymphocytes present with 10% an atypical lymphocyte accompanied by other symptoms like fever and adenopathy, the patient is positive for the infection. Even if diagnosis is not yet been done, the appearance of the symptoms mentioned above can already be a good indication that someone is suffering from mono. Doctors should test the blood of the patient for other diseases that have similar symptoms of mononucleosis.

Treatment of Infectious Mononucleosis

The good thing about this infection is that it doesn’t require the patient to take any medications at all. The infection itself will disappear within weeks or a month at least. Treatment is geared to alleviating the symptoms like fever and sore throat. No antibiotics are prescribed because the patient can develop rashes as a result of the medication.

Home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. Drinking more than eight glasses of water can help keep your body rehydrated. Rest and proper sleep is required to give your body the chance to repair and heal itself. Sore throat can be relieved by gargling warm water with a hint of salt. Contact sports should best be avoided because this can transfer the infection to another person. Wait for the doctor’s approval before engaging in any sports.

Those who have been infected by EBV can develop an immunity from it. Although the virus can still be reactivated in the years to come, the person won’t be in danger from it at all. Learning all there is to know about the infectious mononucleosis can help you combat this infection and prevent others from acquiring it too.

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