| Mononucleosis | |
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What is mononucleosis? Mononucleosis, often called "mono", is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of the throat, swollen glands in the neck, feeling tired, and not feeling hungry. How is mono passed or caught? Mono is found in the saliva and mucous of our mouths and nose. It is sometimes referred to as "the kissing disease" because it is usually passed by kissing an infected person. It can, however, also be passed by coughing or by drinking after an infected person. The symptoms for mono can develop as rapidly as 2-4 weeks or as late as 6-10 weeks after exposure. In most all situations, a patient only acquires mononucleosis only once as the immunity usually lasts for a lifetime. The most common ages of mono are 13-25 years of age. How is mono diagnosed? Your Physician will diagnose mono based on your symptoms, a physical examination, and blood tests. The most common blood test is called a Monospot and is done right in our SAMA lab with results known quickly during your visit. A complete blood count (CBC) lab test is also frequently done in addition to the Monospot as it aids in diagnosing mono. Are there any complications associated with mono? There may be complications. The main complication, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening, is enlargement of the spleen. If the spleen enlarges and should rupture while a patient has mono, it can be fatal. The spleen is a fairly large gland in the left side of your abdomen under the left lower ribs. Signs of a ruptured spleen include pain in the left upper part of your abdomen, dizziness or light-headedness, a rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, difficulty lying flat, a pale skin color, and sweating, especially a "cold sweat." Any of these symptoms need immediate attention by a Physician Ruptured spleens mainly occur following some type of abdominal trauma. Because of this, ALL contact sports need to be avoided for a minimum of 4 weeks after the spleen has returned to its normal size. Some experts recommend NO sports, NO heavy exercise, and especially NO contact sports during or following mono for at least 4 weeks. Can mono be cured? No, but it will go away on its own. The symptoms can last from 4-6 days to 4-6 weeks. Most patients gradually get over mono. How is mono treated? -Rest -Drink plenty of fluids -If a sore throat develops, gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges or frozen drinks such as slushes -Use acetaminophen or ibuprophen for pain and fever Do I need an antibiotic? Antibiotics like penicillin and others do NOT work on mono since mono is caused by a virus. If your throat continues to hurt or your Physician does a strep throat test and the strep test is positive, your Physician may give you an antibiotic to treat this secondary bacterial infection. The antibiotic will only cure the strep throat, but the patient still has to get over the mono. SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare |
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