Mononucleosis, also known as infectious mononucleosis, a kiss disease or monkey, is an infection caused by the saliva-borne Epstein-Barr virus, which causes symptoms such as high fever, sore throat and inflammation, whitish plaques in the throat and water.in the neck throat.
This virus can cause infection at any age, but it is more common to cause symptoms only in adolescents and adults, as children usually have no symptoms and therefore do not need treatment, although mononucleosis has no specific treatment, is curable and disappears after 1 year.or 2 weeks. The only recommended treatment includes rest, water intake and the use of medications to relieve symptoms and speed up a person’s recovery.
- Symptoms of mononucleosis may appear 4 to 6 weeks after contact with the virus.
- But this incubation period may be shorter depending on the person’s immune system.
- Check the following symptoms for a risk of mononucleosis:.
Symptoms of mononucleosis can be easily confused with the flu or cold, so if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, it’s important to see your family doctor or infectious disease to check for diagnosis.
Diagnosis of mononucleosis is made by assessing the doctor of the signs and symptoms presented by the person, laboratory tests are only shown when symptoms are not specific or when a differential diagnosis with other diseases caused by viruses is necessary.
Thus, a complete blood count may be indicated, in which lymphocytosis can be observed, the presence of atypical lymphocytes and decreased number of neutrophils and platelets.To confirm the diagnosis it is recommended to look for specific antibodies present in the blood against the virus responsible for mononucleosis.
Mononucleosis is a disease that can be easily transmitted from person to person through saliva, mainly kisses being the most common form of transmission; however, the virus can spread through the air through droplets that are released by sneezing and coughing.
In addition, sharing glasses or cutlery with an infected person can also cause the disease to onset.
There is no specific treatment for mononucleosis, as the body is able to eliminate the virus, however, it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of liquids, such as water, infusions or natural juices to speed up the recovery process and prevent complications such as liver inflammation or enlarged spleen.
However, in some cases, your doctor may choose to indicate medications to relieve symptoms, and the use of pain relievers and antipyretics, such as acetaminophen or dipirony, may be recommended to relieve headache.fatigue, or anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, to relieve sore throats and reduce water.For other infections, such as tonsillitis, for example, your doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin.
Understand how mononucleosis is treated
Complications of mononucleosis are more common in people who are not receiving proper treatment or who have a weakened immune system, allowing the virus to grow more.These complications usually include enlarged spleen and inflammation of the liver.In these cases, severe stomach and abdominal pain.Swelling is common and it is recommended to consult a family doctor to begin appropriate treatment.
In addition, rarer complications such as anemia, heart inflammation, or central nervous system infections, such as meningitis, such as meningitis, may also occur.