Mono or infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease, often referred as ‘œthe kissing disease’. It is most common in older teens and young adults. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. Cyto megalovirus can also cause be another cause of this disease.
The name ‘mononucleosis’ is due to an amplification of one type of WBC – the lymphocytes, in comparison with other elements of the blood.
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.
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 days before the more severe symptoms come up.
Early Symptoms Of Mononucleosis 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 Mononucleosis
- 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.