Causes of Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also known as the "kissing disease," is actually an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus is quite common and is a member of the herpes family. It's a common ailment and probably everyone knows at least one person who's come down with mono at some time.

How's it Spread?

• Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. In order for a person to contract the infection, she must have direct contact with a person's saliva that is infected. You can get mononucleosis in a variety of ways, and yes, kissing is one of them. It's also possible to become infected by drinking out of an infected person's glass or using his utensils, as well as sneezing or coughing. Anything that brings a person in contact with the infected person's saliva creates the chance of contracting the infection.

Who's at Risk?

• Mononucleosis is quite common and most children are exposed to the virus at some time or another. When infants or small children come into contact with the infection, their symptoms are usually very mild or nonexistent. The age group that usually gets the full-blown symptoms of the infection are teenagers and young adults. You also tend to be more prone to the infection if you've never had it before.

Symptoms

• It can take up to 50 days for the symptoms of mononucleosis to appear. The virus can lie in incubation in a person's body for this long. A person can have all or a few of the symptoms when infected with mononucleosis. They symptoms usually are a fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, headache, rash, night sweats, chills and muscle aches. They might also not have an appetite and basically show symptoms of the flu. A doctor will more than likely take a blood test to test for the infection. Average time for recovery from mononucleosis is anywhere from two weeks to several months.

Treatment

• Actually, there is no one treatment for mononucleosis. The doctor can only treat the symptoms of what you're suffering with. Suggested treatments will be lots of rest, plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water if you have a sore throat, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  Due to the fact that the spleen might be enlarged because of the infection, doctors will generally ask a patient to avoid strenuous activities for up to a month. This includes any sports, heavy lifting as well as drinking any alcohol. An enlarged spleen can easily rupture.

Prevention/Solution

• There is very little that can be done to stop the spread of mononucleosis and currently there is no vaccine. The best thing for preventing infection is for the infected person to avoid sharing any item that might have her saliva on it, especially during the fever stage. This would be things such as drinking glasses and utensils, as well as food. The person should also avoid kissing other people during this time. As with keeping every infection at bay, good hygiene is a must. You should wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of infection.