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i heard its a kissing disease but y do people get it?

2006-08-10 12:42:09 · 11 answers · asked by auroa26 3 in Health Diseases & Conditions Infectious Diseases

11 answers

Infectious mononucleosis (also known in North America as mono, the kissing disease or Pfeiffer's disease, and more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries) is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue.

It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva or blood, or by sharing a drinking glass, eating utensils, or needles.

The disease is far less contagious than is commonly thought. Since the causative virus is also found in the mucus of the infected person, it could be contracted in the—albeit, highly unlikely—circumstance of ingesting droplets from a carrier's cough or sneeze.

2006-08-10 12:45:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Mononucleosis("mono") is an infectious viral disease. The vast majority of cases of mono are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family. More rarely, it may be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in lymphocytes (White blood cells). Mono affects the respiratory system, the lymphatictissues and glands in the neck, groin, armpits, bronchial tubes, spleen, and liver. Symptoms include depression, fatigue, fever, generalized aching, headache, jaundice, sore throat, swollen glands, and sometimes a bumpy red rash. The spleen may become enlarged, and liver function may be affected. Mono is contagious, and can be transmitted from person to person by close contact such as kissing or sharing food utensils, although it can also spread during sexual contact or through the air like the common cold. A diagnosis of mono is made through a blood test called heterophil antibody test. This reveals the presence of specific antibodies against EBV and confirms the presence of mono. A liver function test may aid in diagnosis.

2006-08-10 14:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by ~*á?¦Kileaá?¦*~ 5 · 0 0

Infectious mononucleosis (also known in North America as mono, the kissing disease or Pfeiffer's disease, and more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries) is a disease seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva or blood, or by sharing a drinking glass, eating utensils, or needles. The disease is far less contagious than is commonly thought. Since the causative virus is also found in the mucus of the infected person, it could be contracted in the—albeit, highly unlikely—circumstance of ingesting droplets from a carrier's cough or sneeze.

It is estimated that 90% to 95% of adults in the world have EBV-antibodies, having been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives. The vast majority of infections do not result in the development of mononucleosis. The virus infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis and the atypical T cells (T-lymphocytes). Early childhood infections often cause no symptoms. In developed countries with less crowded conditions and better hygiene, children do not commonly become infected until adolescence. Since they also typically begin dating at that age, the co-occurrence of mono and kissing have led to its being called the "kissing disease," although this is but one of its modes of transmission.

The disease is so-named because the count of mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a one-lobed nucleus) rises significantly. There are two main types of mononuclear leukocytes: monocytes and lymphocytes. They normally account for about 35% of all white blood cells. With Mono, it can become 50-70% Also, the total white blood count increases 10000-20000 per cubic millimeter.

2006-08-10 12:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer W 4 · 0 0

Ive had Mono. Mono does NOT go away with a doctors prescription and u do not take antibiotics for mono, for strep throat yes but not mono. Theres just time that clears mon it takes at least a month and thats minimum. You feel terrible with mon and i mean terrible u have no energy and i mean none you have swollen lymph nodes and it last for a very long time like i said a month minimum usually longer there is a blood test that tests for mono. many people think they have mom but they dont they think its cool or something but it is not. I got it when i was 15 from kissing a boy. It take a long time to leave your system and whoever sais that u go to the doctor for antibiotics and they were cured never had mono. Probobly strep throat. Trust me u dont want to catch MONO.

2006-08-10 13:12:57 · answer #4 · answered by europe 3 · 0 0

Mononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpes virus family and one of the most common human viruses. The virus occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. There is no treatment or antibiotic, it goes away by itself...you can treat the symtoms though.
http://familydoctor.org/077.xml#6
(not contracted from blood or needles like dukalin wrote)

2006-08-10 12:47:17 · answer #5 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 0 0

Pucker Up! Have you ever heard of the " kissing disease"? If you said that its mono, you're absolutely correct.
But you don't get mono from kissing infections mononucleosis ( say MA - no - noo - - Klee - o - sus ) called mono for short, is called by the Epstein - Barr virus ( EBV) which is a type of herpes ( say hur- peez) virus.
Other virus in the herpes family caused by cold sores and illnesses like chicken pox.

How do i get it:

Most people who get mono are between the ages of 10 & 25. The mono virus affects your lymph nodes, throat, salivary glands, liver,spleen, and blood, and it can make you loose your appetite and feel tired and achy all over.
Salivary glands are located inside of your mouth - on the inside of your cheeks and under your tounge.


Symtoms:
. fever
. sore throat
. swollen lymph glands
( the infection - fighting glands)
In your neck, underarms, groin, and everywhere throughout your body.
.headaches
.sore muscles
Enlarged liver or spleen ( and organ located on the left side of your belly, right under your ribs, that filters blood and helps fight infections.

2006-08-10 13:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

What is infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis (commonly called "mono") is a viral illness usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono most commonly develops in young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. 1 The virus can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus (from the nose and throat), and sometimes tears. Rarely, EBV is spread through blood transfusions. Because the virus can be spread through saliva, mono is sometimes called the kissing disease.

Once you have been infected with EBV, your body may periodically shed (or give off) the virus throughout your lifetime, possibly spreading the virus to others. 2 This can occur despite the fact that you do not have symptoms after your initial mono infection; the virus may still be found in your saliva many months after you have recovered from your symptoms. Some newly infected people may not have any symptoms of mono and may not be aware they are spreading the virus that causes mono.

What causes infectious mononucleosis?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis. Most people have been infected with EBV by adulthood, but not all develop mono. Exposure to EBV often occurs in young children, but usually they do not develop symptoms of mono. However, if you are first exposed to EBV as an adolescent or young adult, the virus frequently causes symptoms of mono.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common cause of mono-like illness. Much less commonly, a mono-like illness is caused by different viruses, such as hepatitis B, rubella, and HIV.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of mono include a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen glands (especially the tonsils), and fatigue. Symptoms usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after being exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period. Once symptoms develop, they usually last from 2 to 3 weeks. 1

How is infectious mononucleosis diagnosed?

A medical history and physical examination are the most important ways a health professional diagnoses mono. Blood tests may be done to help confirm the disease.

How is it treated?

Usually only self-care is needed for mono.

Get plenty of rest.
Gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat.
Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever and relieve a sore throat and headaches.
Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting to reduce the risk of rupturing your spleen, which may become enlarged during an episode of mono.
In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling of the throat, tonsils, or spleen.

Most people recover fully from mono after several weeks. But it may take several months to regain your normal energy levels.

2006-08-10 12:46:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Mononucleosis is an infection similar to strep throat but more severe. You can get headaches, body chills, vomit, sore throat. It takes a while for it to leave your system also. You can get it by drinking/eating after someone, kissing someone hence "kissing disease"....ask mom or grandma or one of your elders, they'll give you more info.

2006-08-10 12:47:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

yes. Its monoencephilitis. Causes glands to swell. If you get it you need to get to the doctor quickly and get antibiotics. Also, you should not have any more physical contact with anyone until then.

2006-08-10 12:46:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

MONONUCLEOSIS'S IS A KISSING THING AND IS FROM BAD GERMS PASSING FROM ONE MOUTH TO THE OTHER MOUTH. A VIRUS. IT GOES AWAY WITH A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION.

2006-08-10 12:47:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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