Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis popularly nicknamed "the kissing disease" and often referred to in the short form as "mono" is an infectious disease that can be transmitted through saliva, coughing, sneezing, sharing drinking cups or eating utensils and by coming in contact with the mucus of an infected person. Although not life threatening if well treated, mono disease can be severe and difficult to cope with and even after the alleviation of the symptoms and your return back to normal health, you might still remain contagious for months making it necessary for you to abstain for a while from carrying out all these activities that can help in the spread of the virus.

Causes of Mono

This disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which is very common and as infected about 85% to 90% of Americans back when they where still young, enabling them to build the necessary antibodies that equips the immune system to fight it.

Most individuals will get infected with this virus very early in their life ( usually before the adolescent years). The symptoms during this time for most of these children is very little or mild. However there are cases of adolescents, especially teens 15 to 17 years of age getting infected by the virus, the symptoms for these young adults who become infected with this virus are more severe and might last for several weeks. They will usually display the classical mono symptoms.

Mono Symptoms 

Mono may manifest a little differently from one individual to another but they are mostly characterised by symptoms like:

• Constant fatigue and General faintness
• Skin rash (mono rash)
• Night sweats and high fever
• Headache and Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils and Swollen spleen 
• Weak appetite and general restlessness. 

There are cases of other more extreme symptoms that are less common like:

• 
  
•  Rapid heart rate
•  Sensitivity to light
•  Stiff neck
• Hives 
• Jaundice. 

The common spread of this disease makes it important for you to learn the symptoms of mono in order to prepare yourself with the right knowledge in case you ever encounter it in either a loved one or yourself.

Importance Of Seeking Immediate Treatment For Mono Disease 

With an incubation period of about 4 to 8 weeks, mono disease can become complicated and lead to more life threatening health issues if not well treated. Severe complications like an inflamed liver and a development of hepatitis, enlarged spleen to the point of eruption leading to severe pain in the abdomen that might require surgery for treatment. Other rare cases includes:

• Anemia
• Heart inflammation
• Nervous system malfunctions
•  A decrease in platelets, vital for blood clotting.

Even more severe life threatening complications will appear in people suffering from any other previous infections that causes low or weak immune systems, such as those suffering from HIV.

Examination and Treatment 

Once you begin seeing the symptoms it is important you seek professional medical help immediately because early treatment can really help you or your loved ones avoid the disease from getting complicated and becoming life threatening.

You will need a lot of sleep and rest in order for the symptoms to alleviate. You will also need to drink plenty of water. Do not carry out any heavy duty jobs or physical activities while you are still ill, wait until you fully recover because your spleen may still be extraordinarily sensitive after the first few weeks of the disease.