What is mononucleosis (mono)?
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. The name ‘mononucleosis’ is due to an amplification of one type of WBC – the lymphocytes, in comparison with other elements of the blood.
What are the first symptoms of mono?
The early symptoms of mononucleosis are:
- Weariness and fatigue
- Malaise
- Loss of appetite
- chills
. These symptoms last for 1 to 3, before the more severe symptoms come up.
Early Symptoms of Mono in Adults
After the initial symptoms, the following symptoms become evident:
- severe sore throat
- fever
- lymph nodes (present in the neck) get inflamed and swollen
First Symptoms of Mono in Toddlers
In toddlers and children, the manifestations of mono look like a common cold. The symptoms imitate those of another viral infection.
Diagnosis is established through a specific blood test.
The typical symptoms of mono in children include:
- fever,
- feeling tired
- sore throat
- swollen glands in the neck
- a rash all over the body
- Occasionally, swelling around the eyes.
- 50 % children with mono develop an enlarged spleen
Risk factors for mono
- The Epstein Barr virus infection spreads via person to person contact. The chief mode of transmission of the virus is saliva.
- Infection also spreads by sneezing / coughing, which causes tiny droplets of saliva and / or mucus to be taken in by others.
- Also, when you share food or drink from a one container, the virus gets transmitted, because; contact with EBV infected saliva may occur.
Question: What are the home remedies for mononucleosis?
Answer: Mono or infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease, often referred as ‘œthe kissing disease’. It is most common in older teens and young adults. The causative organism is a virus called Epstein- Barr virus.
Symptoms of mononucleosis include sore throat, fever, rash, fatigue, weakness, aches, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and an enlarged spleen.
It is diagnosed by a blood test for the Epstein-Barr virus.
Mono may last for several weeks and is not usually severe. There may be recurrence of the symptoms for several months.
Causes of Mononucleosis
- In more than 90% of the cases the causative organism is Epstein-Barr virus. Cyto megalovirus can also cause be another cause of this disease.
- It is a contagious disease, the virus is spread via saliva hence the name ‘œthe kissing disease’. It can also spread through blood and genital secretions.
- Common sharing of eating and drinking utensils can spread the infection.
- Low immunity is responsible for the virus to attack the system.
Treatment for Infectious Mononucleosis
- Gargling with salt water soothes the throat.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Rest is important if a patient is suffering from infectious mononucleosis.
- Gargling with slippery Elm is beneficial in sore throat.
- Fever can be controlled with Yarrow and Elder flower.
- Garlic helps to fight the viral infection and vitalizes the body system.
Description of Mononucleosis
It is an infectious disease that is prevalent in teenagers and young adults and it feels like a bad case of flu. It affects the liver so some people develop jaundice. A skin rash similar to rubella also develops. People usually start feeling better within several weeks. In worst cases the spleen may rupture.
Symptoms of Mononucleosis
- Severe fatigue.
- Sore throat, sometimes severe.
- Occasional nausea and vomiting.
- A skin rash similar to measles appear on the face and body.
- At the back of the neck glands swell.
- Jaundice, chills and low fever.
Mononucleosis Causes
- Virus belonging to herpes family is the root cause. Kissing, sneezing or coughing wherein there maybe a direct contact with the saliva of the infected person can spread the disease. But however some people are immune to the virus.
Mononucleosis Remedies
- If you have an enlarged spleen you should be extremely careful of resuming work and activity, until the spleen has returned to normal.
- Consume plenty of fluids.
- Use painkillers to relieve fever, sore throat and headache.
- During the acute feverish phase of the illness have plenty of rest.
Preventing Mononucleosis
- Avoid direct contact with infected people.
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