🔅Mononucleosis / mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
– It is also known as the kissing disease because it can be spread through saliva.
– Mono is most common among teenagers and young adults, but anyone can get it.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF MONO
– The main cause of mono is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which belongs to the herpes family of viruses. Other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, HIV, rubella, and hepatitis A, B, or C, can also cause similar symptoms.
– The symptoms of mono usually appear four to six weeks after exposure to the virus. They may include:
• Extreme tiredness.
• Fever.
• Sore throat, possibly with white spots or pus on the tonsils.
• Headache.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
• Swollen tonsils and spleen &
• Skin rash.
– Some people may have mild or no symptoms at all. The symptoms usually last for two to four weeks, but some people may feel tired for several months.
DIAGNOSIS OF MONO
– Mono is diagnosed based on the symptoms, physical exam, and blood tests.
1). A monospot test can detect antibodies to EBV in the blood, but it may not be accurate in the first week of illness.
2). A different antibody test can confirm the diagnosis even in the early stages of infection.
3). A white blood cell count can also show an increase in lymphocytes or abnormal-looking lymphocytes.
TREATMENT OF MONO
– There is no specific treatment for mono. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. The best way to recover from mono is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and sore throat. If there are complications, such as a bacterial infection of the throat or tonsils, a ruptured spleen, or a narrowed airway, additional treatment may be needed.
PREVENTION & VACCINATION OF MONO
– Mono can be prevented by avoiding close contact with people who have the infection and not sharing drinks, food, or personal items with them.
– There is no vaccine for mono. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and disinfecting toys and surfaces, can also help reduce the risk of transmission.
– Boosting the immune system by eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep and exercise can also help prevent infections.
– Mono is a common and usually mild infection that goes away on its own. However, it can cause serious complications in some cases. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you have symptoms of mono or suspect you have been exposed to the virus.
🔅 How is mono transmitted?
– Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, is a viral infection that is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is spread through direct contact with saliva (spit) from an infected person. This can happen by kissing, sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items, or coughing or sneezing near someone else.
– Mono is not very contagious compared to some other infections, such as the common cold. Many people have been exposed to EBV and have developed antibodies that make them immune to mono. However, some people may carry the virus in their saliva for months or years without having any symptoms and can still pass it on to others.
– The best way to prevent getting or spreading mono is to avoid close contact with people who have the infection and not share anything that may have saliva on it. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. There is no vaccine for mono.
