Mononucleosis
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glandular fever - kissing disease
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INFECTIOUS
DISEASE |
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Viral Illnesses
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Infectious mononucleosis (mono), or glandular
fever, is often called the kissing disease. Kissing can spread the
virus that causes this disease, but more commonly
coughing, sneezing, or sharing a glass or cup
transmits mononucleosis. It's not highly contagious.
Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus. Mono usually isn't very serious, although the
virus remains in your body for life. Some people
with mono have minimal symptoms, and the infection
goes unrecognized.
Most people have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr
virus by the time they're 35 years old and have
built up antibodies. They're immune and won't get it
again. Full-blown mono is common in people ages 7 to
35, and the highest incidence is in people between
the ages of 15 and 24. In non-Western countries,
mononucleosis has become increasingly common in
children younger than 3 years.
Treatment
There's no specific therapy available
to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral
infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves bed rest and adequate
fluid intake.
Occasionally, a streptococcal (strep)
infection accompanies the sore throat of mononucleosis. You may also
develop a sinus infection or an infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis).
If so, you may need treatment with antibiotics for these accompanying
bacterial infections.
To ease some of your symptoms, such as
swelling of your throat and tonsils, your doctor may prescribe a
corticosteroid medication such as prednisone.
Mononucleosis
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