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.
Coping skills
Mononucleosis can be a prolonged
condition, keeping you at home for weeks as you recover. But be patient
with your body as it fights the infection.
For the first week, you may be so
fatigued that you feel too weak to even get out of bed. But the
tiredness lessens with time. Throat soreness is generally the worst for
the first five to seven days of illness. Your swollen lymph glands
should return to normal size by the fourth week of infection.
For young people, having mono will mean
some missed activities — missed classes, team practices and parties.
Without doubt, you'll need to take it easy for a while.
If you have mono, you don't necessarily
need to be quarantined. Many people are already immune to the
Epstein-Barr virus that causes the disease because of prior exposure to
the virus as a child. But plan on staying home from class and other
activities until you're feeling better.
Seek the help of friends and family as
you recover from mononucleosis. College students should also contact the
campus student health center staff for assistance or treatment, if
necessary.
Mononucleosis
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