Mononucleosis?

Question

Ok, the other day, my friend told me that one of our best friends has mono. I hang out with that friend a lot.. so there is a chance i can get it as well. So what happens when you get mono exactly? I know how it is caused and such, but what are the effects on your mind and body?

i know.. but obviously, she has had it for a while. from what i hear... even if she coughs or sneezes on me... i can still get it. so that sucks. but what will it do to me? i know it requires lots of rest to get over it... but like i said... what will it to my mind or body...?

Answer 1

What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis (often called "mono") is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. 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.


How is mono passed?
Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. 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. Generally, people only get mono once. It's most common among people 15 to 35 years old.


How is mono diagnosed?
Your doctor will probably first ask you some questions about your symptoms and then may do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. One common test used to diagnose mono is called the Monospot test. Sometimes other blood tests are needed if the results of the Monospot test aren't clear.


Does mono have any complications?
Sometimes. The main serious concern with mono is that the spleen will enlarge and even rupture (tear open). The spleen is like a large gland. It's located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side. It helps filter your blood.

Although a ruptured spleen is rare in people with mono, it's wise to be aware of the signs and call your doctor right away if you notice any of them. Signs of a ruptured spleen include pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (under the left chest), feeling lightheaded, feeling like your heart is beating fast and hard, bleeding more easily than usual and having trouble breathing.



Can mono be cured?
No. But mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about 4 weeks.

Answer 2

Hey, I had mono for 9 months... which is pretty awesome.
What it does to you is for the first month or so you are fatigued. You are really tired. Then after a while your tonsils will swell and you'll get yummy white stuff on it. The doctors will swab it and tada you're diagnosed with mono. The main thing about it is your enlarged spleen. It becomes very sensitive so any contact sports or just physical contact for a few months must be avoided because any soft or hard blow to the torso could rupture your spleen and kill you. The main things though would be:
1. about a month or so of fatigue.
2. soar throat white delicious symptoms
3. fragile spleen
4. contageous for about 9 months ish.(Depending on the severity of your condition)
enjoy!

Answer 3

Everyone has heard it's a kissing disease but it's not kissing that causes it my son had it when he was about 10 or 11 years old, he got tired easily he had a very severe sore throat and a gland towards the back of his neck swelled real big never would of guessed there were glands back there. His blood tested positive for mono. I can't remember the reason the doctor did the bloodtest but I'm glad he did.

Answer 4

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.



A sore throat is worst during the first 3 to 5 days and gradually improves over the next 7 to 10 days.
Fever may last 10 to 14 days; usually it is mild during the last 5 to 7 days. If you have a fever, you should stay home from work or school until the fever goes away. You can then go back to your normal activities if you feel up to it.
Swollen glands may last up to 4 weeks.
It may take several weeks (even months) for your energy level to return to normal. Don't try to rush this process. Pushing yourself too hard could make you feel worse. Give your body the rest it needs.
Mono can cause your spleen to enlarge, making it prone to injury. Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for 3 to 4 weeks after you become ill with mono (or until a health professional gives tells you it is okay) to reduce the risk of injuring your spleen.

You can spread Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) even if you never have symptoms of mono.

If you know you have mono, you should not donate blood. EBV can be spread through blood products, although this is not common.
EBV can live in a person's throat for the rest of his or her life and can become active from time to time without causing symptoms. When the virus is active, it can be spread to others.
Complications of mono are rare but are most likely to develop in very young children, older adults who are in poor health, and people with impaired immune systems.

Infectious mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome were both once thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. But it is now believed that although both conditions have some similar symptoms, they are different diseases, and chronic fatigue syndrome is not caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Answer 5

It is possible for you to get it, but unlikely. you actually have to ingest some of her saliva. that's why this is called the kissing disease. if you've shared drinks with her or something then it's more likely for you to get it. Mono generally just makes you really tired. Also in about 10-15% of cases a throat infection will occur (unfortunate for me that's what happened). other than that not much.

Answer 6

Don't share anything with your friend: drink, lipstick, etc. Wash your hands frequently.
Mono makes you extremely tired. You will have no appetite, and you may have a sore throat.
Go to the doctor and get checked out. A simple blood test will determine if you have mono.

Answer 7

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), which infect B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis and the atypical T cells (T-lymphocytes).

The virus is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva or blood (hence "the kissing disease"), or by sharing a drinking glass, infected door handles, eating utensils, needles or being in close proximity of an infected person. The disease is far more contagious than is commonly thought. However, in rare cases a person may have a high tolerance to infection.

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 infectious mononucleosis, it can become 50-70%. Also, the total white blood count may increase to 10000-20000 per cubic millimeter.

Infectious mononucleosis is generally self-limiting and only symptomatic and/or supportive treatments are used. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the infection, but activity should be resumed once acute symptoms have resolved. Nevertheless heavy physical activity and contact sports should be avoided to avoid the risk of splenic rupture, for at least one month following initial infection and until splenomegaly has resolved, as determined by ultrasound scan.

In terms of pharmacotherapies, paracetamol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce fever and pain – aspirin is not used due to the risk of Reye's syndrome in children and young adults. Intravenous corticosteroids, usually hydrocortisone or dexamethasone, are not routinely used but may be useful if there is a risk of airway obstruction, severe thrombocytopenia, or hemolytic anemia.

There is little evidence to support the use of acyclovir, although it may reduce initial viral shedding. Antibiotics are not used, being ineffective against viral infections, with amoxicillin and ampicillin contraindicated (for other infections) during mononucleosis as their use can frequently precipitate a non-allergic rash. Opioid analgesics are also contraindicated due to risk of respiratory depression.

Answer 8

When I had mono I got a really bad sore throat with white spots. I also was super tired and slept constantly. Also after it was gone I had to go back to the doctor for a few months so they could keep testing my blood. I also wasn't supposed to play any sports for a while after because it makes your liver and kidneys tender or soemthing.

Answer 9

You aren't gonna get mono from hanging out with someone.... it is usually passed on by saliva...hence the name "kissing disease". Don't lipstick, drink out of the friend's glass, etc. I can be a really rough thing....my daughter had it once and she was put on bed rest for 2 weeks...she couldn't sit up and hardly ate...most people don't have it so bad, though...

Answer 10

Grab a fairly well gentle and appear behind your throat for white spots. If you begin seeing tiny white bumps it can be strep. If you spot significant oozy patches of puss, it's in most cases mono. The handiest approach to recognize strep for specific is a practical swab scan that they are able to do on the medical doctors workplace. It is foremost to regard it on the grounds that strep can by some means final result your center later in the event you allow it opt for decades. Mono there is not any truly therapy for however your possess immune approach and also you simply wait it out and drink plenty of juice. Strep you want an antibiotic for.