What Is Infectious Mononucleosis
What Is Infectious Mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis sounds like a mouthful but you have probably heard of this disease by its more common names. Glandular fever, mono, and the kissing disease all refer to infectious mononucleosis. This is in fact a very common viral disease that is caused by the Epstein Barr virus.
This viral disease is passed from one person to another, it is also spread through saliva, hence its informal name the kissing disease. It is an extremely treatable disease and with enough rest a patient will recover quickly. Treatment of the symptoms is usually the prescribed course of treatment.
How The Virus Spreads
Much like the common cold infectious mononucleosis can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The primary method of infection is through saliva; an infected person should refrain from sharing food or drink with others.
It is also possible for people previously affected with the disease can go through reactivation periods of the disease, and may not display symptoms during such a time. During a reactivation period a healthy person can spread the virus to others.
Immunity
Epstein Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, is extremely common and many people are exposed to the virus at some point. For this reason it has been found that up to 95% of adults in the United States between the ages of 35 and 40 have immunity against Epstein Barr virus.
Although Epstein Barr is the cause of infectious mononucleosis, not all people exposed to Epstein Barr virus will develop mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is not often diagnosed in young children, though this is because the virus is often mistaken for other childhood illnesses. Mononucleosis is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17.
Warning Signs
The first signs of infectious mononucleosis include an overall feeling of being unwell. This is accompanied by a lack of appetite, and chills. These symptoms may last for up to three days but can last for one day before other symptoms follow.
The other symptoms of mononucleosis include a fever and sore throat; these symptoms may cause the disease to be confused with a cold or flu. However the presence of swollen lymph nodes usually points towards infectious mononucleosis.
The sore throat experienced by someone suffering from mononucleosis is usually more severe than a sore throat experienced when suffering from a cold. Another telling sign of mononucleosis is the appearance of inflamed tonsils. The tonsils may also have a whitish coating.
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