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Mononucleosis,
sometimes called "mono" is caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus, a member of the herpes family. Even though this
virus is one of several herpes viruses, it has nothing
to do with cold sores or genital herpes. (Although it
may trigger an outbreak of either if you have those).
It's classified as a herpes virus because once you've
been infected, the virus stays in your body the rest of
your life and may reappear in your saliva from time to
time. However, you probably won't get the symptoms of
mono again from this virus. |
Mononucleosis
is a respiratory virus that affects the blood cells and the
salivary glands (the glands responsible for producing saliva).
Even though anyone can get mononucleosis, most people who
get the illness are between the ages of 15 and 25. Mono can
keep you out of commission for weeks or even months.
How
Do People Get Mono?
You can
get mononucleosis through direct contact with infected saliva
- sharing a straw or an eating utensil can expose you to the
virus. Another common way to catch mono is by kissing someone
who's infected (which is how the illness got its nickname
as the “kissing disease”).
 Although
a quick smooch between friends probably won't do any harm,
intimate kissing with someone who's infected or who has recently
had mononucleosis can put you at greater risk for getting
the disease. The virus can be transmitted in other ways, such
drinking from the same glass or can as an infected person,
or even being close when the person coughs or sneezes. Also,
some people can have the virus in their systems without ever
having symptoms and so you can still catch it from them.
Symptoms:
The virus has
a long incubation period and sometimes symptoms wont occur
until up to 30 to 60 days. Most often symptoms begin to appear
2 weeks to 60 days after you've been infected. The most common
symptom is being tired all the time. As another one of its
nicknames, 'glandular fever' implies, perhaps the most distinguishing
mono symptom is enlarged glands or lymph nodes, especially
in the neck, but also in the armpit and groin. Other signs
include:
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fever,
often high, sometimes up to 103° F or 39.5°
C |
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very
sore throat |
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swollen
lymph glands (the glands located in your neck, underarms,
and groin) |
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headaches |
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muscles
that ache |
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larger-than-normal
liver and spleen - (your health care provider will
be able to 'feel' your liver and spleen area easier
than you can). |
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Even if you
have several symptoms, don't try to diagnose yourself. Always
consult your health care provider if you have a fever, sore
throat, and swollen glands, or are unusually tired for no
apparent reason. Because there are so many different symptoms,
the doctor may mistake the illness for the flu or even strep
throat. In fact, some teens have mono and strep throat at
the same time. The only way to tell if you do have mono is
through a blood test. Even if you test positive (which means
you have it), there isn't much the doctor can do. Your health
care provider will also do some other blood tests to check
your blood count and liver function.
 There
is no cure for mononucleosis. Antibiotics such as penicillin
won’t help unless you have a secondary infection like
strep throat.
In fact, Ampicillin
and Amoxicillin should be avoided since up to 90% of patients
with "mono" develop a pink skin rash while taking
these medications with mono. The good news about mono is that
even if you do nothing, the illness will go away by itself,
usually in 1 to 3 weeks, but it is better to rest when you
have mono and to avoid secondary infection by another illness!
 Rest,
rest, rest!
Although there's
no magic pill that can make mono go away, there are some things
you can do to feel better. The best treatment is to get plenty
of rest, especially during the beginning stages of the illness
when your symptoms are the worst and drink plenty of water
and fluids. (This
is for uncomplicated mono, where the spleen or liver is not
involved).
Put yourself
to bed and forget school, sports, and that party you wanted
to go to. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin, or Nuprin) for the fever and aching muscles. (Steer
clear of aspirin unless your doctor tells you to take it -
it's been linked to a serious disease in people under 16 called
Reye's syndrome, which can lead to death.) If you have a sore
throat, gargle with plenty of warm salt water, or suck on
hard candy or popsicles. Even if you're not hungry, try to
eat a well-balanced diet. Drink lots and lots of water.
When you
start feeling better - usually within 2 weeks or so take
it slowly. Some people don't feel better until about 4
weeks later. (I had a bad case at age 17). Although you can
return to school once your fever disappears, you may still
feel tired. Your body will tell you when it's time to rest,
so listen to it. Keep things low-key and try taking afternoon
naps.
Most health
care providers recommends avoiding sports for at least a month
after the symptoms disappear, especially if your spleen is
enlarged. An enlarged spleen can rupture easily, causing severe
abdominal pain and requiring emergency surgery, so don't participate
in contact sports, cheerleading, or even wrestling with your
friends until your health care provider gives you permission.
And, speaking
of your spleen if you become constipated while you're sick,
relax! Straining when you go to the bathroom can also injure
an enlarged spleen. To help things return to normal, increase
the amount of fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains in your diet and drink plenty of water
too.
Remember,
an enlarged spleen, called: splenomegaly, may lead to rupture)
or an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) is very serious. Your
doctor should check to see if you have either.
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Because
mono can stay active in your body for up to a year after
the symptoms disappear, make sure you don't share the
illness with your friends and family.
Keep
your drinks and eating utensils to yourself, cover your
nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and wash your
hands often. If you share a phone with the rest of the
household, wipe the mouthpiece with rubbing alcohol
after you've used it. This is one time when your friends
and family will thank you for being selfish.
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Learn more about other Infectious
Diseases... Also, check out STDs,
Mono, is NOT considered one, BTW! Also see what benefits
kissing does have that some researchers have found.
*
Update: April 2003 - Epstein-Barr Virus
shown to increase the risk of MS (Multiple Sclerosis),
for more...
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