Home :: Mononucleosis, Infectious

Infectious Mononucleosis

Causes

A contagious (Epstein-Barr virus) that is transmitted from person to person by close contact, such as kissing, shared food or coughing. The following factors increase the risk of getting mononucleosis:

• Stress.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Fatigue or overwork. The high incidence among college students, athletes and military recruits may result from inadequate rest and crowded living conditions.

Signs and symptoms

• Fever.
• Sore throat (sometimes severe).
• Appetite loss.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen lymph glands, usually in the neck, underarms or groin.
• Enlarged spleen or liver.
• Jaundice with yellow skin and eyes (sometimes).
• Headache.
• General aching.

Diagnosis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your adolescent, a diagnosis of mononucleosis is usually based on reported symptoms. However, diagnosis can be confirmed with specific blood tests and other laboratory tests, including:

• white blood cell count
• antibody test

Treatment

Most patients recover within 2-4 weeks without medication. Younger children often don't have symptoms, while some older patients may have fatigue for up to 6 weeks.

There is no specific treatment available. Antiviral medications do not help. Steroid medication may be considered for patients with severe symptoms.

Home Treatment-

• To relieve the sore throat, gargle frequently with double-strength tea or warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of water).
• Don't strain hard for bowel movements. This may cause bleeding in or rupture of an enlarged spleen.

Prevention

• Avoid contact with persons having infectious mononucleosis.
• Vaccine (possibly). This is still in the experimental stages.