Mononucleosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

La mononucleosis It is an infectious disease that is transmitted through saliva, which is why it is also called “the kissing disease”. In fact, apart from kissing and physical contact, mononucleosis can be transmitted through sharing a glass, or a simple sneeze or cough. coughThe incubation period of the infection is between 30 and 50 days and its cause is the Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the family of Herpes virus. Those most affected are those between the ages of 15 and 35.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mononucleosis are not very obvious. Once contracted, after an incubation period of four to eight weeks, the virus can cause pharyngotonsillitis, which manifests itself with a sore throat and the presence of yellowish-white plaques on the lips. tonsils, significant difficulty in swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, enlargement of the liver and spleen, low-grade fever that usually does not exceed 37,5 °C. The clinical picture described generally ends within a couple of weeks. Sometimes the fever It is higher (39-40°C) and can last, associated with significant weakness, for several weeks. Another symptom that can accompany mononucleosis is chronic fatigue, even during the day.

Diagnosis

Mononucleosis is usually diagnosed after a medical examination and the prescription of specific laboratory tests, including, in particular, a white and red blood cell count and a test for IgM antibodies (which indicate the presence of a current infection) and IgG antibodies (which indicate a past infection) against Epstein-Barr virus antigens. These tests help distinguish mononucleosis from other forms of pharyngotonsillitis. viral or bacterial nature.

Cure

There is no specific cure for infectious mononucleosis: antivirals are not effective in blocking the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus. The only available treatment is rest and a varied, alcohol-free diet to avoid straining the liver and spleen. Physical activity is strongly discouraged during the infection to avoid the risk of spleen rupture. In case of high fever and/or sore throat Important: Only common anti-inflammatories or, in more severe cases, cortisone can be taken. Antibiotics are not recommended, except when the doctor suspects or confirms a bacterial infection. In some cases, anti-inflammatories and antipyretics may be helpful.

Healing

Healing times are not shortAfter infection, it takes between three and six weeks to return to normal and eliminate the symptoms of mononucleosis. In some cases, the fatigue It can last longer, even months, and mononucleosis can recur even quite recently after the first appearance.

Complications

Mononucleosis is an infection that can lead to very serious complications. Among others:

• Hepatitis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Myocarditis
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis

Prevention

The only recommended prevention against mononucleosis is to avoid actual physical contact with infected individuals until complete recovery and the virus has disappeared. Always remember, when it comes to prevention, that even blood transfusions can be a channel of contagion of mononucleosis.

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