Mononucleosis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can be spread through saliva. The most common symptoms include high fever, throat pain and swelling, white patches in the throat, and a lump in the neck.

Epstein-Barr virus can cause this infection at any age, but usually causes symptoms only in teenagers and adults; children usually don’t show symptoms and don’t need treatment.

Although there is no specific treatment for mononucleosis (called the kissing disease), it is treatable and will go away after 1 or 2 weeks. The only recommended treatments include rest, drinking fluids, and taking medications to relieve symptoms and speed the patient’s recovery.

The main symptoms

Symptoms of mononucleosis are:

1. White patches in the mouth, tongue, and/or throat;
2. persistent headache;
3. high fever;
4. sore throat;
5. excessive fatigue;
6. General malaise;
7. Swollen glands in the neck.

Symptoms of mononucleosis may appear 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to Epstein-Barr virus, however, this period may be shorter depending on the individual’s immune system.

Symptoms of mononucleosis can easily be confused with flu or cold, so if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks it is important to see your GP or infectious disease specialist for assessment to diagnose the infection.

Mononucleosis Symptom Test

To find out your risk for mononucleosis, choose the symptoms you experience on the following test:

This symptom test is only a guidance tool and is not intended as a diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with an infectious disease specialist or primary care physician.

Diagnosis of mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is diagnosed through clinical evaluation of the signs and symptoms a person exhibits. Laboratory tests are only needed when symptoms are less specific or when differential diagnosis is needed with other illnesses caused by the virus.

In this way, a blood count may be required, in which lymphocytosis, the presence of atypical lymphocytes, and a decrease in the number of neutrophils and platelets can be observed. To confirm the diagnosis, it is recommended to look for specific circulating antibodies in the blood against the mononucleosis virus.

How mononucleosis is spread

Mononucleosis is transmitted through contact with the saliva of an infected person, so the most common route is through kissing. However, coughing and sneezing can also cause mononucleosis.

Apart from this, the disease can also be spread by sharing glasses and eating utensils with infected people.

How treatment works

There is no specific treatment for mononucleosis once the body is able to eliminate the virus. However, it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea or natural juices, to speed up the recovery process and avoid complications such as liver inflammation or an enlarged spleen.

However, in some cases, your doctor may choose to prescribe medications to relieve symptoms, such as analgesics and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or metamizole, to relieve headaches and fatigue, or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac , to relieve pain. Sore throat and reduced lymph nodes. If an infection develops, such as tonsillitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin.

possible complications

Complications of mononucleosis are more common in people who do not receive adequate treatment or who have weakened immune systems, allowing the virus to progress further.

These complications often include splenomegaly and liver inflammation. In these cases, severe pain in the abdomen and inflammation of the abdomen usually occur, so it is recommended to consult the general practitioner again so that appropriate treatment can be started.

In addition to this, rarer complications such as anemia, inflammation of the heart, or infections of the central nervous system (such as meningitis) may occur.