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By Laurie Sammeth, HealthAtoZ Writer
Mononucleosis has been called many things - the kissing disease, glandular fever and just plain "mono." Whatever you call it, this viral infection is contagious and can keep you out of circulation for several weeks. There's not much you can do to prevent mono. But there are treatments to help ease symptoms and help make you or your child more comfortable. Fortunately, mono is almost always more of a drag than a danger.
How do you get it?
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes most (85 percent) mono cases. Mono can also be caused by cytomegalovirus. Most people get one of these but never have mono symptoms. However, teens and young adults exposed to the virus for the first time can get mono.
Mono is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 35. By age 35 or 40, adults usually have developed antibodies against the virus.
Mono is spread through saliva and mucus, but kissing is not the only way you can get it. You can also get it from a sneeze or cough, or from sharing things like a straw or spoon with someone who has the virus. Signs of mono usually appear four to six weeks after you have been exposed to the virus.
How do you know if you have it?
Mono symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses. The combination and severity of symptoms differ among people and include:
- Constant tiredness and/or weakness
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin
- Sore muscles
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Abdominal pain
- Larger-than-normal liver or spleen
See your doctor if you have any signs of mononucleosis. A physical exam and blood tests can confirm a diagnosis of mono.
What can you do if you get it?
There is no cure for mono, but it will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last four weeks, but you may not feel back to normal for two to three months. To relieve symptoms:
- Get plenty of bed rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Gargle with warm salt water, suck on throat lozenges or drink tea with honey.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. (Don't take aspirin if you are under age 19. It can cause Reye's syndrome, a very serious disorder.)
Antibiotics won't help cure mononucleosis because it's a viral disease. They are helpful only for bacterial diseases.
Take it easy!
- Don't exercise, play contact sports or lift heavy objects for three to four weeks from the time your infection began. Your spleen may be enlarged and at risk for rupturing.
- Don't go back to your regular routine until your doctor says you can.
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IMPORTANT: Call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Sharp, sudden abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- A stiff neck or severe weakness
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The most important thing with mono is to listen to your body. If it's telling you to rest, do so. When you start feeling better, still take it slow. You'll be back to your energetic self sooner if you do.
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