Mononucleosis

=//__ Mononucleosis __// = "Kissing Disease"

The viruses that cause mononucleosis or "mono" are the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses; as well as the cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a condition caused by a member of the herpesvirus family. How is mononucleosis transmitted? Mononucleosis is transmitted by saliva as well as close contact. Mono occurs most often in those who are between 15 and 17 years old, although this infection can develop at any age. Saliva is the main method of transmitting mono. Saliva exchange leads to the B lymphocytes in the mouth and throat becoming infected. Infectious mononucleosis inherited its common name of "kissing disease" from this dominant form of transmission among teenagers. After the initial infection with EBV it takes between four to eight weeks for the symptoms of mono to appear. Mononucleosis can also be passed by coughing or sneezing. Coughing and sneezing cause small droplets of infected saliva and/or mucus to be released into the air, these small droplets can be inhaled by others and cause the infection to spread. Sharing food or beverages is another way of transmitting mono since contact with saliva may result.

__Once infected:__ Mononucleosis has many symptoms which include:
 * Drowsiness
 * Fever
 * General Discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
 * Loss of appetite[[image:8914-8.jpg width="315" height="262" align="right"]]
 * Muscle aches or stiffness
 * Rash
 * Sore throat
 * Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit
 * Swollen spleen
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Chest pain
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Cough
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Fatigue
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Headache
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hives
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Juandice (yellow color to the skin)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Neck stiffness
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Nosebleed
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Rapid heart rate
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Sensitivity to light
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Shortness of breath

<span style="color: #e3638e; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There can be many complications that occur with someone who has mononucleosis:
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Death in persons with weakened immune systems
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hemolytic anemia
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hepatitis with juandice (more common in patients older than 35)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Inflammation of the testicles (orchitits)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Neurological complications (rare), including:Secondary bacterial throat infection
 * Gullain-Barre syndrome
 * Meningitis
 * Seizures
 * Temporary facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
 * Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Spleen rupture (rare; avoid pressure on the spleen)

<span style="color: #d11f5b; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">__How can mononucleosis be prevented?__ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> Mononucleosis can be contagious while someone infected with it is experiencing symptoms and can last for up to a few month afterwards. The length of time that someone with the disease is contagious varies. The mono virus can live for several hours outside of the body. Since mononucleosis is spread from person to person, you should avoid person contact with the infected person and practice excellent hygiene. Avoid kissing and sharing utensils if you or someone close to you has mono. <span style="color: #d11f5b; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Treatment: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The treatment for mononucleosis involves bed rest and plenty of fluids. For about a week someone with mononucleosis may feel so tired and weak that they can hardly get out of bed, but symptoms generally begin to get better after about 2 weeks. Due to the risk of rupturing spleen, those with mononucleosis should avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for 2 months.

<span style="color: #d11f5b; display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">**//__ References __//**

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001617/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001594/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/article.htm#cause <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/mononucleosis-000109.htm