Feeling tired? Not just normal tired, but really, really tired? Do you have a fever? How about a sore throat? Are your lymph nodes swollen?
You might have infectious mononucleosis, or mono for short.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family, causes mono. And while people of any age - infant through senior - can become infected, mono usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 25. It's possible to have mono and not know it, especially if in young children, in whom the symptoms are indistinguishable from other mild, brief childhood illnesses. About half of all children are infected with EBV before they're age 5.
What to Look For
Once exposed, the incubation period of EBV is four to six weeks prior to the appearance of symptoms. Fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes are common - but not necessary - symptoms of mono. Other symptoms include fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, white patches on the back of the throat, or tonsillitis. Sometimes a swollen spleen or liver occurs. Occasionally, someone will develop sensitivity to light. Rarely, heart problems develop.
To Know for Sure
If you suspect you have mono, don't panic. You're not alone. Mono is extremely prevalent in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 95 percent of men and women 35 to 40 years of age have been infected with mono.
Your doctor will order a blood test to determine exactly what the problem is, since many of the symptoms for mono mimic other illnesses, such as leukemia. If your throat is sore, it's a good idea to have a throat culture for strep throat and begin antibiotic treatment if the test comes back positive.
Now What?
The best treatment for mono is rest and plenty of fluids. You'll miss classes and tests. And you'll also miss out on parties, hanging out with friends, and your job. No vigorous activities, including sports or school dances, for a month after you're feeling better. You'll also want to avoid lifting heavy objects.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help with fever or sore muscles. If you have a sore throat, try sucking on a lozenge or Popsicles. If you're tired, sleep. And, eat well-balanced meals, with adequate amounts of fiber to lessen your risk of constipation.
Time may drag slowly by, but it will pass. Most bouts with mono seldom last more than four months. If you still have symptoms lasting six months or more, you could have chronic EBV or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Unstoppable
There's no pill to cure mono, nor to prevent it. Once you've been sick, the EBV remains dormant or latent in a few cells in your throat and blood for the rest of your life. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and is commonly found in the saliva of people without symptoms. Therefore, you can spread the infection to others intermittently for the rest of your life - and not even be aware.
Since people can pass along mono and other infectious diseases without ever knowing it, you might want to implement these germ-fighting tips: - Don't share forks (or knives or spoons), straws, lip-gloss or lipstick, or water bottles
- Don't use another person's toothbrush or drinking glass
- Wash your hands well and often
- Know who you're kissing, and kiss them only when they're symptom free
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