Infectious Mononucleosis, also known as mono, glandular fever, or Pfeiffer's disease, is a condition characterized by inflamed lymph glands and persistent fatigue. The disease gets its name from the increase in the number of mononuclear leukocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus, both of which belong to the herpes simplex family. EBV is very common, with the majority of adults in the United States exposed to it at some point. While the virus does not typically cause any noticeable symptoms in children, it can lead to infectious mononucleosis in nearly fifty percent of cases of exposure in adolescents.
Cytomegalovirus, on the other hand, causes cell enlargement and is responsible for symptoms in around eighty percent of adolescents infected with the virus. While EBV has the potential to develop into infectious mononucleosis, it can also remain dormant in the body and reactivate from time to time without symptoms. Symptoms of the condition usually last for one to two months and can vary from one person to another, including inflamed lymph glands in the groin, neck, and armpits, fever, continuous fatigue, enlarged spleen, sore throat, and minor liver damage that can lead to jaundice. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, muscle aches, headache, depression, loss of appetite, skin rash, weakness, dizziness, enlarged prostate, dry cough, swelled genitals, and puffy, swollen eyes.
Infectious mononucleosis is usually transmitted through saliva (which is why it is also called the "kissing disease"), blood, sharing drinks, or utensils. The condition typically lasts for four to six weeks and does not last more than four months. Diagnosis requires a thorough medical history of the adolescent, physical examination, and laboratory tests like blood tests, antibody tests, and white blood cell counts.
Treatment usually involves a month of rest and avoiding heavy physical activities or sports involving physical contact. It is also recommended to avoid excess consumption of sweet foods for a few months. If symptoms are similar to other medical conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
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