Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time? Along with that, do you have a fever, a sore throat , and small bumps around your neck? You might think it's just a cold, but sometimes it could be mononucleosis , also known as the kissing disease . The name may sound a bit strange, but it's especially common among young people. So let's talk about it all in a clear and simple way today.
What is Mononucleosis?
Simply put, mononucleosis is a contagious disease. It is most often caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV ) . It is also called 'mono' and is also nicknamed the 'kissing disease' because it is spread through saliva.
Although this is a contagious disease, it is not as contagious as the common cold. Also, mononucleosis is usually not a serious illness. However, it can be a bit dangerous due to some complications that occur when it occurs. Also, if it occurs, you may not be able to do your normal activities for several weeks and may feel very tired.
Many people are exposed to the EBV virus during childhood. But not everyone develops symptoms of mononucleosis. Some people can carry the virus throughout their lives without any symptoms.
Is this caused only by the EBV virus?
Most of the time, about 90% of the time, mononucleosis is caused by the EBV virus. However, very rarely, other viruses can cause similar symptoms. For example:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- HIV
- Rubella
How does this disease spread to us?
It is mainly spread through bodily fluids, especially saliva . That's why it's called the 'Kissing Disease'.
Imagine that one of your friends has this disease.
- If you drink water from the same cup with him
- If you eat with the same spoon and fork
- If you kiss him/her
There is a high chance that you could be infected with the virus through saliva from things like this. As long as something like a spoon used by someone with the disease remains moist, the virus can remain active.
Rarely blood and semenIt can also be transmitted through semen. Therefore, there is sometimes a small chance of transmission through medical procedures such as blood transfusions or sexual contact.
How long is this contagious?
You can spread the virus to others even before you have symptoms. You are definitely contagious while you have symptoms. Doctors believe that you can spread it to others for several months after your symptoms have gone.
What are the main symptoms of this?
The symptoms of mononucleosis can vary from person to person. Some people can get it without any symptoms and recover.
| Symptoms of mononucleosis | |
|---|---|
| Frequently seen symptoms | |
| Fever | Feeling like your body is hot. |
| Fatigue | Feeling lethargic and constantly drowsy. This is the main symptom. |
| Sore throat | The throat hurts, it's hard to swallow. The tonsils are swollen and you can see white, pus-like things. |
| Swollen lymph nodes | They feel like little bumps on the neck, armpits, and groin. |
| Body ache | Muscle pain. |
| Skin rash | You may develop a small red rash. |
| Rarely seen symptoms | |
| Cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing | Headache, neck stiffness |
| Heart palpitations | Jaundice - Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. |
Most people recover within 2-4 weeks of symptoms, but sometimes symptoms, especially fatigue , can last for several weeks, sometimes up to 6 months.
How does the doctor recognize this?
When you see a doctor, he or she will listen carefully to your symptoms. Then they will examine your throat , neck, and abdomen. This is because the spleen and liver can become swollen in this condition.
If necessary, the doctor will order several blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This can check the number of white blood cells in your blood and whether they have any abnormalities.
- Antibody Tests: This test can find out if your body has made antibodies against the EBV virus.
What are the dangerous complications that can arise from this?
Although usually not dangerous, mononucleosis can rarely cause serious complications.
- Enlarged tonsils: The tonsils in the throat can become very swollen and narrow the airway. This can make it difficult to breathe and swallow food.
- Spleen swelling and rupture: This is the most concerning complication . Mononucleosis can cause the spleen, located in the upper left part of the abdomen, to swell. If the spleen is swollen, it can rupture if there is a hard blow to the abdomen, if a heavy object is lifted, or if you engage in strenuous exercise.
- Liver problems: Conditions such as hepatitis or jaundice may occur.
- Blood problems: This can include things like red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia) or a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).
- Heart and nervous system problems: Very rarely, serious conditions such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis, meningitis) can occur.
- Get plenty of rest: This is the most important thing. Get as much rest as you can. Stay in bed.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of things like water, soup, and fruit juice.
- Painkillers: For fever and body aches, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol, as advised by your doctor.
- Gargling with salt water: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with that water to relieve a sore throat.
- Avoiding heavy work and sports: Avoid sports and lifting weights completely for at least a month , as these increase the risk of a ruptured spleen.
- Avoid alcohol: If you have mono, it is important to avoid alcohol completely. This is because your liver can also be affected during this time. Drinking alcohol can cause serious liver damage.
- Mononucleosis is a disease mainly caused by a virus called EBV. It is also called the 'Kissing Disease'.
- It is mainly spread through saliva, so avoid sharing dishes, cups, and cutlery with others.
- The main symptoms are extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, and neck stiffness.
- There is no specific medicine for this. The best treatment isGet plenty of rest and drink fluids.
- Avoid sports, heavy lifting, etc. completely until the disease has healed and for about a month after that. Also avoid drinking alcohol.
- If you experience sudden, severe pain in the upper left abdomen, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- If you suspect you have symptoms of mononucleosis, be sure to seek medical advice.
If you suddenly experience severe, sharp pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, it could be a medical emergency. In such a case, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Surgery may be necessary.
If your immune system is weakened (for example, due to a condition like HIV/AIDS or because you are taking certain medications), you are at higher risk of developing these complications.
What are the treatments?
There is no specific drug that can kill the EBV virus that causes mononucleosis. Since this is a viral disease , antibiotics are of no use.
However, there are several things that can help you manage your symptoms and recover.
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