History
Mononucleosis, or Infectious mononucleosis, first hit the medical scene in 1920, however it wasn’t until 48 years later that the cause of this disease was discovered. It is nicknamed the ‘kissing disease’ as the most common mode of transmission of the virus that creates Mononucleosis is via the saliva from a person infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. Secondary modes are coughing, sneezing, sharing food and drink with a carrier. Once exposed to the virus most will retain it in the body as the immune system creates the antibodies that will combat it. Mono cannot be preempted. It is only confirmed after suspicion in relation to the symptoms of the patient by a blood test.
Statistics
Mono is generally harmless. Because most are immune from the virus that causes it, there are no real patterns to how it strikes or is there a set risk profile. Medical data shows that 95% of adults in the 35 to 40 age range have been found with Epstein-Barr virus antibodies. The disease itself has a low fatality count, which generally comes from the secondary infections patients may contract. These complications are usual in older patients outside of the virus’ target age of 15 to 25 years old. The most common fatalities occur due to the inflammation of the spleen, which happens during infection. It can rupture. At the source of Mono, the mouth, the throat and tonsils are also susceptible to inflammation and can increase in size, past discomfort, to block the airway and impair breathing.
Operation and symptoms
The disease is named from the fact that it increases a white blood cell know as the B-cell. In the salivary glands the Epstein-Barr virus attacks and infects the B-cells. When the B-cell returns to the blood stream it starts to spread the virus. This is the trigger for the first set of symptoms, swelling as the body reacts, trying to fight off the infection. There is usually a 4-6 week incubation period for the disease during which time those infected will experience:
- Long periods of fatigue, usually 1-2 weeks.
- A Reduced appetite.
- Chills.
The infected will then start to experience
- Severe sore throat. This is usually where complications arise as misdiagnosis as tonsillitis can happen. Deeper examination to confirm Mono will show that not only will the tonsils to be swollen but coated with a whitish film, but the entire throat region will be inflamed.
- The glands, or lymph nodes in the neck itself will also start to swell.
- A high fever running between 102-104F
- The spleen is the largest lymph node in the body and just like the glands in the neck it too will enlarge causing even more discomfort.
In a low number of cases the following may also happen
- A red rash may appear all over the body.
- The liver will follow suit becoming enlarged like the spleen.
- Eyelids may swell temporarily and may be paired with Jaundice.