Mononucleosis: what it is, symptoms and treatment (with online test)

Mononucleosis, also known as infectious mononucleosis, mono or kiss disease, is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus , transmitted through saliva, which causes symptoms such as high fever, pain and inflammation of the throat, whitish plaques in the throat and water in the throat. neck.

This virus can cause infection at any age, but it is more common to cause symptoms only in adolescents and adults, and children usually have no symptoms and therefore do not need treatment. Although mononucleosis has no specific treatment, it is curable and disappears after 1 or 2 weeks. The only recommended treatment includes rest, fluid intake, and the use of medication to relieve symptoms and accelerate a person's recovery.

Main symptoms

Mononucleosis symptoms can appear 4 to 6 weeks after contact with the virus, however this incubation period may be shorter depending on the person's immune system. Check the following symptoms to see if there is a risk of mononucleosis:

1. Fever above 38º C Yes No
2. Very severe sore throat Yes No
3. Constant headache Yes No
4. Excessive tiredness and general malaise Yes No
5. Whitish plaques on the mouth and tongue Yes No
6. Neck streaks Yes No

The symptoms of mononucleosis can be easily confused with the flu or cold, so if the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, it is important to go to the general practitioner or infectious disease to make the assessment and arrive at the diagnosis.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of mononucleosis is made through the evaluation by the doctor of the signs and symptoms presented by the person. Laboratory tests are only indicated when symptoms are unspecific or when it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis with other diseases caused by viruses.

Thus, a complete blood count may be indicated, in which lymphocytosis, the presence of atypical lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of neutrophils and platelets can be observed. To confirm the diagnosis, it is recommended to search for specific antibodies present in the blood against the virus responsible for mononucleosis.

How to get mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a disease that can be easily transmitted from one person to another through saliva, mainly, with kissing being the most common form of transmission. However, the virus can be spread in the air through droplets that are released in sneezing and coughing.

In addition, sharing glasses or cutlery with an infected person can also lead to the onset of the disease.

Mononucleosis Treatment

There is no specific treatment for mononucleosis, since the body is able to eliminate the virus. However, it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, teas or natural juices to speed up the recovery process and prevent complications such as inflammation of the liver or enlarged spleen.

However, in some cases, the doctor may choose to indicate medications for symptom relief, and the use of analgesics and antipyretics, such as Paracetamol or Dipyrone, may be recommended to relieve headache and tiredness, or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, to relieve sore throats and reduce water. If other infections arise, such as tonsillitis, for example, the doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Penicillin.

Understand how mononucleosis is treated.

Possible complications

Complications of mononucleosis are more common in people who do not receive adequate treatment or who have a weakened immune system, allowing the virus to develop further. These complications usually include enlarged spleen and inflammation of the liver. In these cases, the appearance of severe pain in the belly and swelling of the abdomen is common and it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to start the appropriate treatment.

In addition, rarer complications such as anemia, inflammation of the heart or infections in the central nervous system, such as meningitis, for example, may also arise.