MONONUCLEOSIS

Valuable information for over 200 common illnesses

General Illness Information

Medical Term:

Mononucleosis

Common Name:

None Specified

Description:

An acute illness,characterised by fever, sore throat and enlarged lymph glands, caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus.

Causes:

The causative agent is the Epstein-Barr virus. After gaining entry to the nasopharynx and replicating, the virus infects B lymphocytes in the body.

Prevention:

Avoid contact with persons having infectious mononucleosis.

Signs & Symptoms

	Fever.
	Sore throat (sometimes severe).
	Fatigue.
	Swollen lymph glands, usually in the neck, underarms or groin.
	Loss of appetite.
	Headache.
	Rash.
	Enlarged spleen.
	Enlarged liver.
	Jaundice with yellow skin and eyes (sometimes).
	General aching and malaise.

Risk Factors

	Stress, fatigue.
	Illness that has lowered resistance.
	People exposed to crowded close conditions, for example, military recruits, college and high school students.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis is made by clinical findings, and blood tests. A Monospot blood test will be positive.
General Measures:
	No specific cure is available. Extra rest and healthy diet are important. There is no need to isolate the patient.
	To relieve the sore throat, gargle frequently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of water). Commercial preparations may be of benefit.
	Complications must be identified, and managed.

Medications:
	For minor discomfort, non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen may be used. Don't take aspirin because of its suspected association with Reye's syndrome.
	Antibiotics and antivirals are not indicated.

Activity:
Rest in bed, especially when you have fever. Resume activity gradually. Rest when you are fatigued. Don't participate in contact sports until at least 2 months after complete recovery.

Diet:
	No special diet. You may not feel like eating while you are ill. Maintain an adequate fluid intake. Drink at least 8 glasses of water or juice a day or more during periods of high fever.

Possible Complications :
	Most cases resolve spontaneously. In rare cases, complications can cause serious problems.
	Central nervous system complications include encephalitis, seizures, neuropathy , aseptic meningitis.
	Hematological complications include rupture of the spleen, low white cell counts, and anemia.
	Hepatic complications involve elevated enzyme levels.
	Pulmonary complications involve airway obstruction and pneumonia.

Prognosis

Spontaneous recovery in 10 days to 6 months. Fatigue frequently persists for 3 to 6 weeks after other symptoms disappear. A few patients experience a chronic form in which symptoms persist for several months or years.

Other

'Nothing Specified'.