Mononucleosis Virus: Mono Kissing Disease

Mononucleosis or mono kissing disease is a viral infection that causes sore throat, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.

Mono Kissing Disease is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other organisms such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also be responsible for the onset of this disease. These viruses are transmitted through saliva, which is why many people contract it through kissing, but a person can also be exposed to it through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensil with someone who has mono. Fortunately, mononucleosis is lesser contagious than infections such as common cold.

When the illness takes place in young children, only few mild symptoms are experienced, which is why it is not often recognized. This illness is seen most in young adults and adolescent. The reason for this, is that an antibody against EBV is found in the bodies of most adults who were infected with mono during their growing years. The immune system produces antibodies to attack, and help destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Nonetheless, the infection may develop at any age.

Symptoms

In the initial stages of the onset on mono, symptoms of a general ill feeling, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite and muscle aches are experienced. The most bothersome effect of illness is a sore throat, which progressively gets worse. Fever may also develop. In most patients, the tonsils become swollen and may develop a whitish-yellow covering. Another sign of the disease, is if the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful. In about 50% of the patients, the spleen becomes enlarged.

Rarely experienced symptoms of the illness include chest pain, cough, hives, jaundice (yellow color to the skin), neck stiffness, nosebleed, rapid heart rate and sensitivity to light. Sometimes, if medicines such as ampicillin or amoxicillin are administered, a pink, measles-like rash may occur. However, these medicines must only be prescribed after a positive Strep test.

Diagnosis

A doctor will be able to diagnose mono kissing disease once you tell him your symptoms. Swollen tonsils with a whitish-yellow covering may be seen and swollen lymph nodes in the front and back of the neck may be detected, during a physical examination. He may also feel a swollen liver or swollen spleen when pushing on the belly. If a blood test is asked for, it may reveal a higher-than-normal white blood cell (WBC) count and unusual-looking white blood cells called atypical lymphocytes.

Treatment

The best course of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, as steroids (prednisone) and antivirals (such as acyclovir), usually have little or no benefit. One must drink plenty of fluids and gargle with warm salt water to treat a sore throat. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken for pain and fever. Plenty of rest is recommended, as it will get a person back on their feet faster. One must definitely avoid contact sports while the spleen is still swollen, or it may rupture.

In most cases, the fever will go away in 10 days time. However, the swollen lymph glands as well as the spleen may take up to 4 weeks to heal. In some cases, fatigue is felt for 2 to 3 months following the illness.

Complications

A person suffering from mononucleosis may develop some complications. The illness at times result in a mild inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), sometimes along with jaundice. Luckily, this form of hepatitis is rarely serious or requires treatment. As the spleen get enlarged, it could rupture, if proper care is not taken. Orchitis or inflammation of the testicles may occur. Other rare neurological complications include Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, seizures, temporary facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), or uncoordinated movements (ataxia). The very rare severe complications include destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) and inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), the heart muscle itself (myocarditis), and the brain (encephalitis). Mono can cause significant damage in patients with compromised immune systems.

Most people mistake mono for a typical viral illness. However, self diagnosing is not wise, and it is best to speak with ones health care provider.