Mononucleosis usually develops within a few days. The symptoms of mononucleosis are similar to flu symptoms - fever, headache, general weakness and drowsiness. A few days later lymph nodes are increased, although this symptom manifests itself not at all.
What is mononucleosis
Mononucleosis - is a very common infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. About 90% of people over 35 years they have been infected, most likely in early childhood and have antibodies to the virus in their blood.
The virus that causes mononucleosis, is transmitted through saliva, so it can be transmitted during kissing, but also through coughing or sneezing, or using utensils from which ate people with mononucleosis. However mononucleosis not contagious, some infections such as common cold.
�
Most often mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms of sick teenagers or young adults.
�
When mononucleosis occurs in young children, the disease usually proceeds so gently that it is invisible, or held as the common cold. However, when mononucleosis occurs in adolescents or adults, it can occur much more serious.
Swollen glands in the throat is particularly typical for mononucleosis. Most people have a sore throat, which can be very strong, and inflamed tonsils. Temperature may also increase, usually not more than 40 degrees, and hold up to three weeks.
Some people, especially those who take the antibiotic amoxicillin, you may see a red rash all over the body. Others may notice red patches, or darkened patches in the mouth that look like bruises. Approximately half of the spleen increases, which can cause sensitization in the upper left area of the abdomen.
In most cases, mononucleosis moderately affects the liver. Only some patients develop jaundice mononucleosis, yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an increase of liver protein in the blood. In rare cases, liver failure mononucleosis.
Other complications that may develop due to mononucleosis include splenic rupture, low blood platelets, swelling the shell brain or spinal cord, or inflammation of the brain. These complications are extremely rare.
Most people who become ill with mononucleosis, feel much better after two or three weeks, although weakness may persist for up to two months or more. Some people feel the effects of the disease for about a year.
In the past, studies suggest that the virus that causes mononucleosis, may be associated with a firm, a devastating disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue - if life is not a pleasant experience
Which can last for years. More recent research, however, showed the absence of such a connection, and the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown.
What is mononucleosis?
In most cases, mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, named in honor of two British researchers. For the first time the virus has been described in 1964, although the disease has been discovered much earlier. Epstein-Barr virus - a common representative of the family of herpes viruses, spread mainly through saliva, so it is sometimes called the "kissing disease". Coughing or other contact with infected saliva can also spread the virus from one person to another.
Mononucleosis virus can remain active in the body for several weeks or months after the symptoms go away. Therefore, close contact with someone who has no symptoms of the disease, can still put at risk other people. On the other hand, not everyone who lives in close proximity to a person infected with mononucleosis, they get sick. Scientists believe that a healthy immune system can successfully cope with this infection.
If you are sick mononucleosis, it is important to be afraid of certain complications such as enlargement of the spleen. Rest and drinking plenty of fluids - the key to recovery.
Complications of mononucleosis may be more dangerous than the disease itself.
Splenomegaly
Mononucleosis can cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, the spleen may break, causing a sudden sharp pain in the left upper abdomen. If there was such pain, seek immediate medical attention: You may need surgery.
Liver problems
There may be problems with the liver following:
- Hepatitis. You may experience a mild inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
- Jaundice. Sometimes there is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Less common complications
Mononucleosis can also cause the following, less common complications:
- Anemia - a decrease in the number of red blood cells and reduction of hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells
- Thrombocytopenia - decrease in the platelet count, blood cells, which are involved in blood clotting
- Heart disease - an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Complications associated with the central nervous system - meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Swelling of the tonsils, which can block breathing
Epstein-Barr virus can cause more serious illness in people with a weakened nervous system, for example, people with HIV / AIDS, or those who take medications that suppress the immune system after organ transplantation.
Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
- Weakness
- The feeling of general malaise
- Sore throat, pharyngitis or sore throat
Angina - is it worth it to carry "on their feet"?
Which do not disappear after treatment with antibiotics
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Redness of the skin
- Soft, swollen spleen
The virus has an incubation period of approximately four to six weeks, although in small children, it may be less. Signs and symptoms such as fever and sore throat, usually diminish after a couple of weeks, although fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes - what keeps our immune system
and swelling of the spleen may persist for several weeks.
If you experience the above symptoms, you may have mononucleosis.
If rest and a healthy diet
Healthy eating - do not limit yourself to eating
It does not relieve your symptoms within one or two weeks, or if symptoms worsen, see your doctor.
