Over 90% of adults carry the virus that causes mononucleosis, although it is more common in childhood and adolescence. This illness is hard to detect as the symptoms are similar to the common flu. Therefore, it is important pay close attention to the signs of mononucleosis so that it does not develop into a more serious condition. Find out what to do if you suspect symptoms of this illness.
What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is a viral infection, usually benign, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is found in saliva and nasal secretions and is spread through intimate contact – most commonly through saliva and more rarely through genitals or blood. For this reason, mononucleosis is often called “the kissing disease”.
This condition affects above all children and teens, due to their social behaviour, interactions and habits, which increase their exposure to the virus. Mononucleosis can resemble other infections that affect the throat, such as tonsillitis, which makes it difficult to identify and, consequently, diagnose early on.
Mononucleosis: Symptoms?
Mononucleosis can develop without any signs, especially in children, who only present symptoms in around 10% of cases. It is more common for light to moderate symptoms to appear in adolescence. These cases may require absence from school or work.
When symptoms do exist, they are usually very similar to those of a common flu, such as fever, headache or sore and inflamed throat, sometimes forming a pus-like secretion. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, difficulty swallowing, nausea, muscle pain and fatigue. In some cases, the liver or spleen can also become enlarged. This illness is normally benign.
How does mononucleosis spread?
Mononucleosis spreads from person to person, through body fluids, usually saliva. The most common forms of infection are kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing toothbrushes, food, cutlery, drinks or glasses.
Aside from saliva, the Epstein-Barr virus is also found in blood and sperm, therefore infection can occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants or sexual intercourse .
As with all human herpes and viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus remains in the body for life, mainly in white blood cells. On average, the virus is eliminated in saliva 6 months after onset of the illness, but it can reactivate, making the person contagious again.
How is mononucleosis diagnosed?
Mononucleosis is diagnosed by the physician monitoring the patient, whether a paediatrician, family practitioner, infectiologist, Internal Medicine or other specialist who, after examining the patient's symptoms and medical history, may prescribe tests to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate other causes for the symptoms. The definitive diagnosis is made through blood tests to detect antibodies directed at the virus.
However, mononucleosis is frequently diagnosed late due to the condition's flu-like symptoms, which delays the patient's decision to seek specialised help. Nevertheless, it's important not to treat mononucleosis as the flu, since flu medication has no effect on this virus. Incorrect treatment can even cause red blemishes on the body, which is why it is essential for the diagnosis and treatment to be handled by a physician.
How is mononucleosis treated?
Mononucleosis must run its course until it is cured, which is usually after 2 or 3 weeks. However, patients should maintain the drug treatment prescribed by their physician to guarantee a full recovery and relieve the symptoms caused by the illness.
Normally, antipyretics are prescribed to lower fever and analgesics to reduce pain. In serious cases, other types of medication may be necessary, such as corticosteroids, for example when the patient runs the risk of suffocating due to enlarged tonsils. Because mononucleosis is a virus-induced infection, antibiotics are not effective. Along with the prescribed medication, rest and avoiding physical exertion are recommended, and absence from school or work is usually required.
Furthermore, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, which is crucial to boost immunity and recover from the infection. This diet should be varied, giving precedence to foods that build up the body’s defences. Use olive oil as a cooking fat and abstain from processed foods, to avoid straining the organs that are most vulnerable to mononucleosis. Also increase the ingestion of high-antioxidant foods, such as fruit and vegetables, and raise the protein intake, for example white meat, eggs, fish and legumes.
Staying hydrated is also essential, especially in cases with high fevers. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and avoid juices and soft drinks. Symptoms usually last for 2 weeks, but can persist for months. It is important for the recovery to be monitored by a physician to avoid the development of serious complications that can lead to death, such as encephalitis, rupture of the spleen or blockage of the airways.
Joaquim Chaves Saúde, by your side to fight mononucleosis
Because mononucleosis has flu-like symptoms, patients are often unaware that they have this illness. However, mononucleosis must be properly diagnosed, treated and monitored by a physician, to ensure the illness runs its therapeutic course and avoid developing serious complications.
For this, you can call on various specialties available at our medical clinics, namely Paediatrics, General Practice and Family Medicine, and Infectious Diseases. At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, you can count on our specialists to clarify all your doubts and provide personalised care to successfully treat mononucleosis. Don’t wait any longer to get help, schedule your appointment now.