The unit is coordinated by Dr. María José Peiró, a family medicine specialist with more than 10 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Master in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Infectious mononucleosis or kissing disease In most cases, it is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is spread through saliva and when it enters the body, it can invade the nose and inflame the throat. In the blood, it changes B lymphocytes (immune system cells).
Although it is a highly contagious disease, in most cases it goes unnoticed, especially in children, because it does not cause symptoms or is confused with pharyngitis or tonsillitis. In other cases, more commonly seen in young adults and teenagers, it can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, fever, sore throat due to inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils, headache, general malaise, and very tiredness. The spleen may also become swollen.
These symptoms of mononucleosis can last two to three weeks, and fatigue can last up to more than a month.
How to diagnose and avoid infection
Evidence that confirms this. To prove infectious mononucleosis, doctors usually recommend tests. This assay is used to detect antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus in the blood. Lymphocyte and liver enzyme counts are also usually included. In addition to blood tests, throat secretions can be checked to distinguish this disease from tonsillitis.
What helps prevent it. Mononucleosis is spread through saliva, so not sharing glasses, cutlery, food, etc. with other people can help prevent mononucleosis. It is important to protect your mouth when sneezing and coughing because, like other viruses, it can be spread through droplets expelled from the mouth through these actions. It’s recommended to wash your hands well, use disposable tissues, and remember that – as the name suggests – it can be spread through kissing.
The virus has an incubation period of four to six weeks, with the risk of contagion being highest in the first few weeks, sometimes before there are any symptoms. There is currently no vaccine for this disease, and most people have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus. In fact, according to research, 50% of people as young as 5 years old are Epstein-Barr carriers, and the virus is present in 90% of people as adults.
Learn about the appropriate treatment for kissing disease
During the acute phase of mononucleosis, rest is recommended. Some young people need to stop completely and lie down in bed to rest. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and gargle half a tablespoon of salt in a glass of water to improve sore throat. The medicines given are designed to treat symptoms such as headaches and sore throats. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to reduce fever and inflammation.
When symptoms of this disease appear (which is more common in teenagers), a few weeks of rest are recommended.
Possible complications of kissing sickness
The disease usually resolves on its own, and overcoming difficulties and recurrences are usually rare. However, the virus will remain in the tissue for life and is in principle inactive unless defenses are reduced. Possible complications of kissing sickness include mild anemia, myocarditis, splenomegaly, and mild hepatitis.
Some studies also explain that the persistence of COVID-19 may be due to Epstein-Barr’s reactivation after being infected with the coronavirus. On the other hand, a Harvard study published in the journal Science recently found that the Epstein-Barr virus is linked to multiple sclerosis.
However, the Spanish Neurological Society urges caution in this regard, as 90% of the population has been exposed to the virus and the incidence of multiple sclerosis, a multifactorial disease, is low.
Diet and the Best Treatments to Fight Kissing Disease
ginger. We can take it as an infusion or add it to fruit and vegetable juices to tone the body and strengthen its defenses.
garlic. Add this flavor enhancer to your recipes and it’s also a natural antiviral.
Reishi Mushroom. They are as good allies to the immune system as maitake or shiitake mushrooms.
probiotic foods Sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, etc. help improve the function of the intestinal microbiota, which has a decisive influence on the body’s defenses. Make sure you don’t lack them in your diet along with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
pawpaw. This fruit provides high amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for keeping the body’s defenses high. Additionally, it contains the powerful enzyme, papain, which improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
ginseng. You can infuse this root to stimulate your immune system, boost the production of T lymphocytes, and increase your body’s resistance to viruses.
What to do and what not to do about kissing sickness
Only one in four teenagers has symptoms of mononucleosis. But in this case, it may take four to seven weeks for these symptoms to subside, and it is recommended that these guidelines be considered during this time.
Avoid effort. When symptoms of mononucleosis appear, rest is needed to help the body fight the virus on its own. If the spleen is also inflamed, it is important to limit activity and not overexert yourself.
antibiotic. Because mononucleosis is a virus, it cannot be treated with these bacteria-only drugs. Using them in this disease may even be counterproductive.
Take echinacea, for example. It can be taken as an infusion, capsule, or drop to help the body fight infection. This plant strengthens the immune system and has antiviral properties.
aspirin. This drug is completely contraindicated in this disease. Taking it may cause complications such as Reye’s syndrome, a serious disease that affects the brain and liver.
Keep your defenses high. For this reason, it is important to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids to eliminate viruses, toxins and keep your body hydrated, especially if you have a fever.
weightlifting. It should be avoided for at least four weeks because the spleen may become swollen.
Ventilate the room. Do it in the patient’s room for twenty minutes a day, which can reduce the concentration of the virus in the patient’s room. It helps if the temperature is around 19 degrees and the humidity is 50%.