Mononucleosis (or mono for short) is transmitted through intimate contact with body secretions. It is most commonly passed around orally. Most people usually get it from kissing and that is why it is nicknamed the “kissing disease”. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is found and contracted all over the world. Kissing isn’t the only way that it can be passed from one person to the next. One can also get it through coughing, sneezing or mucus that is in the air and later inhaled.
The word mononucleosis refers to the increase in white blood cells in the bloodstream. It is particularly frequent in young adults, but it can be seen in patients of all ages. Mono has an incubation period of 1 to 2 months and most patients don’t recall where they came into close contact with the person who infected them. The physical findings of mono make it hard for people to detect because it can be easily confused with other diseases such as the flu or the common cold. Therefore, many people do not realize that they have it and continue to show their affection with loved ones or get near others in close proximity and spread the virus.
There are no predisposed health factors that exist for those who have acquired mononucleosis expect for close contact with other individuals who are infected with it. Those who do have mono continue to secrete the infection through their saliva secretions for months after becoming infected and that is one of the main reasons why it spreads around. Studies have also shown that most will continue to secret the EBV in their saliva for years after the infection. The infection spreads through the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
The early signs of mono include fever, rash, mild sore throat, and fatigue. Fatigue is almost always a symptom of mono and after feeling that way for three months or more it can become more profound making it difficult for people to function day to day. Elderly patients usually don’t show any signs and mono symptoms, which can be dangerous. Some patients even have prolonged fatigue after they have recovered from mono. Thankfully, the mortality rate for mono is low and infrequent, but there is still the possibility. The most common deaths caused by mono are liver damage in affected males.
