Chronic mononucleosis facts

Introduction

Infectious mononucleosis is often referred to as mono andalso some people call it the kissing disease. It is a certain type of infectionwhich gets triggered by a certain type of virus which is called theEpstein-Barr virus. This virus is one of the most common types of viruses andthere are a large number of people everywhere around the world which getexposed to it. Some people may be exposed to the virus but not experience anyof the symptoms of mono. It is such a case with many viruses that a person getsinfected but does not get sick. Those who encounter this virus carry it insidethe body for the rest of their lives. There are also certain other viruses suchas cytomegalovirus which can be held responsible for the onset of similarmedical conditions. Mononucleosis is not that serious but it may sometimes lastfor weeks and prevent the patient from performing normal everyday tasks the wayshe or he should be.

How Do People Get Mono?

The most common way of getting mono is to kiss a person whois already infected, so that is why this medical condition is so often referredto as the kissing disease. Mononucleosis may also be passed by direct contactwith saliva or a person who is infected with EBV. That means that sharing lipbalms, lipsticks, lip glosses, eating utensils, toothbrushes or drinks may alsopass mono from person to person. Some scientific studies have shown that monocan also be passed sexually. It is possible for a person to be infected withEBV and never experience any symptoms but still being able to passmononucleosis to other persons.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mononucleosis usually start kicking in acouple of weeks following the exposure to the virus. The most common symptomsof mononucleosis include abdominal pain, skin rash, enlarged spleen, enlargedliver, weakness, sore muscles, headaches, swollen lymph nodes in the groin,underarms and the neck, loss of appetite, sore throat, fever and fatigue.Sometimes the symptoms of mono may lead to person confusing it for some other medicalconditions such as strep throat or the flu. There are also cases of peoplehaving strep throat and mononucleosis at the same time. The best methods ofdiagnosing mononucleosis are certain types of blood tests. Mononucleosis cannotbe cured, it has to pass on its own. One needs plenty of rest and that is all.