What Are the Symptoms?
Mononucleosis, commonly known as the “kissing disease,” is a viral infection affecting adolescents and children. This article will explore the topic with an infectiologist and hepatologist.
What Is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, transmitted through direct contact such as saliva or indirectly through sharing objects like cutlery or glasses used by an infected person. The virus has an incubation period that ranges from 30 to 50 days.
Mononucleosis is often acquired in developing countries or poor hygienic conditions. In developed countries, the infection peaks during childhood and adolescence. The virus can remain in saliva for up to five months and be transmitted through blood transfusion, solid organ, or stem cell transplantation.
Mononucleosis: The Symptoms
Mononucleosis is often asymptomatic but can manifest with mild, temporary symptoms like exhaustion, fever, general weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. In the acute phase, mononucleosis manifests as a sore throat, often with whitish plaques on the tonsils. These plaques can make swallowing difficult when they reach a considerable size.
Complications of mononucleosis are infrequent but can be more severe than the disease itself. These complications include:
- Hepatitis
- Hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia
- Myocarditis
- Guillan-Barré syndrome
How Mononucleosis Is Treated
Mononucleosis generally has a benign course, and symptoms tend to disappear within a few weeks. However, it can result in transient immunosuppression that could promote the onset of other infections. If the spleen is significantly enlarged, there is a theoretical risk of its rupture, even from minor trauma. Therefore, limiting activities that could lead to traumatic events and respiratory infections for a few weeks is necessary.
