Mononucleosis is a viral disease characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue.
Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While other viruses can cause mono-like symptoms, EBV is generally thought to be the virus which causes mononucleosis. Found mainly in saliva and mucus, EBV is passed most efficiently from person-to-person by intimate behavior, such as kissing.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Many people contract EBV during their lifetime. Risk factors that increase the likelihood that EBV will develop into mononucleosis include:
One episode of mononucleosis usually produces permanent immunity.
Signs of mononucleosis usually begin about 4 to 7 weeks after you were exposed to the virus. The initial symptoms may be a sense of general malaise that lasts about a week. This is followed by a set of signs and symptoms that may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on:
There is no treatment to cure mononucleosis or to shorten the length of illness. It usually runs its course in 4 to 6 weeks, although the fatigue may linger.
During the first month after diagnosis, patients should avoid contact sports, since inflammation of the spleen from mononucleosis puts individuals at a high risk of splenic rupture.
Treatment includes:
Steroids are sometimes used if the swelling in the throat is interfering with breathing, or if a complication involving low platelet counts or anemia occurs.
If you are diagnosed with mononucleosis, follow your doctor's instructions .
Most people contract the EBV virus sometime during their lives. Prevention is geared toward decreasing the likelihood that EBV will develop into mononucleosis. Follow these guidelines to decrease your risk:
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
References:
Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . 17 ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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