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Mononucleosis |
Mononucleosis, known as “mono” is an acute infection of the throat and lymph nodes caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono is often mistaken for Flu many times. In childhood, the disease is mild and can pass unnoticed. However, when an adult contracts mononucleosis, the symptoms are usually more severe. Because the virus is transmitted through infected saliva, mononucleosis is sometimes called “kissing disease.” As a result, some people are initially amused when they come down with mono, until they discover that their activities must be severely restricted to ensure a full recovery Actually, the virus may be spread through coughing or sneezing as well as kissing. The condition gets its name from a characteristic increase in the number of mononuclear white blood cells. The symptoms of mononucleosis often resemble those of other infectious illnesses, but tend to be more persistent. They include a vague feeling of achiness and discomfort, a pronounced feeling of fatigue or weakness, headache, a tendency to feel chilled, moderate to high fever, sore throat, lymph nodes that become enlarged and remain that way for a week or more, and a bumpy red rash. A doctor’s examination might reveal an enlarged spleen and/or abnormal liver function. A person who has mononucleosis usually feels weak and very tired and worn out |
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The infection generally lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, although the older a person is when it strikes, the more severe the symptoms and the longer the recovery time. It is not uncommon to feel more tired than usual for several months afterward. Potential complications of the disease include obstruction of the upper airway, difficulty swallowing, depression of the immune system, and liver disease. In exceptionally severe cases, the spleen may become very enlarged and then rupture (usually after a fall or similar trauma), making emergency surgery necessary. Mononucleosis must be diagnosed by a blood test that detects an elevated concentration of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus, an elevated lymphocyte "white blood cell" count, or other characteristic abnormalities. If these tests confirm a diagnosis of mono, your liver function will probably be measured as well, and your doctor will do a physical examination to check for an enlarged spleen or liver, and to look for pus and inflammation in the back of your throat |
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