Have you ever had a bad sore throat , a fever that didn't go away for a long time, and a lot of fatigue? You may have contracted mononucleosis , also known as the " kissing disease ." It may sound a little strange, but there's nothing to worry about. Let's talk about it in simple terms 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 called the "Kissing Disease" because the virus is easily transmitted through saliva. It can be spread through kissing, as well as by sharing drinking glasses , cups, and cutlery.
Although it is contagious, it is not as contagious as the common cold. Also, mononucleosis is usually not a serious illness. However, sometimes complications can occur and can be dangerous. If you get this disease, you may not be able to do your normal activities for several weeks.
What causes mononucleosis?
Most of the time, that is, about 90% of the time, the cause of this disease is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that we discussed earlier. However, very rarely, other viruses can also cause these symptoms. For example:
- Cytomegalovirus `(CMV)` (this also belongs to the herpes virus family)
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
- Rubella (the virus that causes measles)
Many people in our country are infected with the EBV virus at a young age. But not all of them develop mononucleosis. You can carry this virus throughout your life without any symptoms. In fact, by the age of 40, 85%-90% of adults have this virus in their bodies.
Important: Although the EBV virus belongs to the herpes virus family, it is completely different from the virus that causes genital herpes or oral herpes. So don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
How is this disease transmitted?
As we mentioned earlier, the EBV virus is mainly transmitted through saliva. That's why it's said that kissing can spread the disease. Apart from that, it can also be transmitted through things like drinking from the same cup or eating from the same spoon with an infected person. As long as an infected person's spoon or fork is moist, the virus can remain active.
It can also be transmitted through blood and semen , which means there is a very small chance of transmission through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and sexual contact.
Is mononucleosis a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
The virus that causes this can be spread through bodily fluids, so technically it can be sexually transmitted. However, it is most commonly spread through saliva, not through sexual activity.
How long is this disease contagious?
Once you are infected with the virus, you can spread the disease to others before you even have symptoms. It can take a month or two for symptoms to appear. You are definitely contagious while you have symptoms. Doctors believe that you can spread the virus to others for several months after your symptoms have gone.
What are the symptoms of mononucleosis?
These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may develop the disease without any symptoms and recover. Often, young people experience the most severe symptoms.
| Common symptoms | Less common symptoms |
|---|---|
| - High fever - Fatigue - Severe sore throat - Swelling of the neck, armpits, and groin. - Muscle pain - Loss of appetite - Skin rash | - Cough - Chest pain - Difficulty breathing - Headache - Nosebleed - Rapid heartbeat - Neck stiffness - Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) |
Most people feel better within 2-4 weeks , but fatigue can last for several weeks, possibly up to 6 months.
How to diagnose the disease?
Your doctor may suspect mononucleosis by listening to your symptoms and examining your body. The doctor will specifically check for swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and swollen liver or spleen.
Several blood tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This checks the types and number of white blood cells in your blood. Mononucleosis can cause an increase in a specific type of white blood cell.
- Antibody tests: This checks to see if your body has made antibodies against the EBV virus.
Don't confuse mono with strep throat.
Mononucleosis and Strep throat both have common symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. However, Mononucleosis is caused by a virus, while Strep throat is caused by a bacteria. Therefore, the treatments are completely different. Sometimes, both diseases can occur at the same time. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor to determine exactly which disease you have.
Complications that may occur due to this disease
Although usually not dangerous, mononucleosis can rarely cause serious complications.
- Swollen tonsils: These can become enlarged and block the airway, making it difficult to swallow and breathe.
- Spleen enlargement: This is the most dangerous complication. The spleen is an organ located on the upper left side of our abdomen. It can become enlarged and suddenly rupture.
- Liver problems: Hepatitis or jaundice may occur.
- Blood problems: Conditions such as the destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) or the reduction of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) may occur.
- Heart problems: Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or irregular heartbeats may occur.
- Nervous system problems: Very serious conditions such as seizures, brain swelling (encephalitis), or meningitis can occur.
- Get plenty of rest: This is the most important thing. You want to give your body the strength to fight the virus.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink lots of things like water, soup, and fruit juice.
- Painkillers: You can take a medicine like paracetamol for fever and body aches, as advised by your doctor.
- Gargle with salt water: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with that water to relieve a sore throat.
- Corticosteroid medications: If the swelling in the throat is severe, a doctor may prescribe this medication to reduce it.
- Rest number one: Get as much rest as possible. Avoid going to school or work until your symptoms subside.
- Avoid heavy work and sports: This is very important. You should avoid sports and heavy lifting for about a month after your symptoms have subsided, as these activities increase the risk of the swollen spleen bursting.
- Avoid alcohol: Mononucleosis can affect the liver. Drinking alcohol during this time can cause serious liver damage.
- Mononucleosis is a usually mild illness caused by a virus called EBV.
- The best treatment for this is to get plenty of rest.
- Avoid sports and heavy lifting during the recovery period and for about a month afterward. This is essential to protect your spleen.
- If you suddenly experience severe pain in the upper left part of your abdomen, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have symptoms of mononucleosis, be sure to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and advice.
If you suddenly have severe, sharp pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, it's an emergency. It could be a ruptured spleen. In such a case, you should go to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) immediately . You may need to have surgery.
People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or other medications are at higher risk of developing these complications.
How is it treated?
There is no specific medicine to kill the EBV virus that causes mononucleosis. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Therefore, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and helping the body heal.
How to manage the illness?
It takes some time to fully recover from mononucleosis, and it's important to take care of your body during this time.
It will take time to get back to your normal life. Ask your doctor for advice on the best time to do so.
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