Mononucleosis
By: Ann Katheryn Fadal
Decription of mono
Mono-
the presence of an abnormally large number of mono nuclear leukocytes, or monocles, in the blood.
Mono is a disease that is caused by saliva exchange, it enlarges your liver or spleen and your throat. It can also be mistaken for strep throat or the flu. The only way to treat it is to rest and to take pain relievers. It is known as the "kissing disease".
How is mono transmitted?
Mono is primarily transmitted through saliva exchange. After you have mono, it takes up to 8 weeks for the symptoms to show so in that 8 weeks, the person who has mono can give it to as many people he/she trades saliva with not knowing he/she even has it yet.
Who does mono victimze?
Mono is known for victimizing people who kiss other people a lot or share food or drinks with one another. It is known as the "kissing disease". People who are exposed to the EBV don't ever develop mononucleosis.
Where is mono found?
mono is usually found in the throat, or it can be traced in the blood, there is usually an increase in one type of white blood cell lymphocyte.
What are the symptoms of mono?
The symptoms of mono include fever, a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits, or groin), or weakness Mono is often mistaken for the flu or strep throat.
What is the damage?
Basically it makes your immune system weaker the more you have it. For example, if you gave someone a cold that has already had mono, and someone who hasn't had mono, the person that has had mono before would get rid of the cold later than the other person.
How do you treat mono?
There is not really a "treatment" for mono, other than waiting for the symptoms to go away, usually the doctor will suggest pain relievers such as Advil, Tylenol, or Aspirin. Other than pain relievers the doctors don't tell you to do anything else specific. Mono can also enlarge your liver or spleen, so you cant do any physical activity when you are diagnosed or else your liver might explode.
Interesting facts
- Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious illness caused by the (EBV).
- The infection can be spread by saliva, and the incubation period for mono is four to eight weeks.
- Most adults have laboratory evidence (antibodies against the EBV) indicative of a previous infection with EBV and are immune to further infection.
- The symptoms of mono include, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
- The diagnosis of mono is confirmed by blood tests.
- Mono can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and enlargement of the spleen.
- People who have had mono can continue to shed virus particles in their saliva during reactivation of the viral infection throughout their lifetime.
- Vigorous contact sports should be avoided in the illness and recovery phase to prevent rupture of the spleen.