WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND CURES FOR MONONUCLEOSIS

The human body is a complex system. There are a billion molecules, cells, anti-bodies,
bacteria and other organisms. Some of these organisms help the body function properly; some
alter or disturb the general working of the body.

When there is an imbalance or a new body enters the body, we suffer from a disease. The
disease that this article discusses is Mononucleosis.

What is Mononucleosis?

The full name of the disease being Infectious Mononucleosis, it is commonly known as the
“Kissing Disease” also. This spreads through a virus, which is mostly transmitted through the
saliva. The main reasons why you have this disease could be due to kissing, sneeze, cough, or
sharing a glass or any other utensils with a person who is already infected with the virus.

The usual perception is that the disease is not that contagious. However, if you get the correct
medical opinion then it is somewhat dangerous.

If you are suffering from Mononucleosis there are a few other complications that you should
be aware of, like an enlarged spleen.

This disease was initially discovered and named by Sprunt and Evans in an article printed in
the “Bulletin of the Johns Hopkins Hospital” in the year 1920. This was before the Epstein-
Barr virus had been discovered.

This virus is the member of the Herpes family. Apart from saliva, you may also contact this
virus from other body fluids like blood. The rare cases could also be due to sexual intercourse
or transplant of blood.

Causes of Mononucleosis

The main culprit of this disease is the virus called Epstein-Barr virus. However, there are
other viruses which may also lead up to this disease. Most of the adults build up immunity
against the virus.

Age Group Affected by Mononucleosis

Usually, young adults and older people get the infection with all the signs and symptoms
right after the incubation period. For kids or adolescents, the disease might not show all the
symptoms or might even go unnoticed.

How Long Does Mononucleosis Last?

The incubation period for Mononucleosis is usually 4 to 6 weeks. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the
disease to settle in the body and start showing symptoms.

The disease lasts for 2 to 4 weeks in usual cases. Within a month or a little less the disease
will be cured with proper treatment. But in rare cases, the disease might stay for as long as 6
months.

In few patients, the disease stays in the body and recurs at any time in their entire lifetime.

Common Symptoms of Mononucleosis

The common symptoms would include –

1. Fatigue,
2. Fever,
3. Strep throat which is not relieved by a course of anti-biotics,
4. Lymph nodes in the neck and armpits gets swollen,
5. Infected tonsils,
6. Soft, enlarged spleen,
7. Chills,
8. Skin rash which looks like the rash that happens in case of Measles,
9. Jaundice,
10. Red tiny spots inside the mouth,
11. Headache,
12. Muscle weakness,
13. Night sweats or hot flashes,
14. Skin rash.

The incubation period for this disease is 4 to 6 weeks, you may see a shorter incubation
periods in young adults or kids.

Fever and sore throat reduce over time but other symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes,
enlarged spleen and fatigue may last for over than a few weeks. It might take upto 6 months
for the disease to be treated completely.

This disease is rarely fatal and no records are available to show the deaths which might have
occurred due to this disease.

Who are at the risk of Mononucleosis?

The following people might be more exposed to the virus as compared to others –

1. People between the age band of 15 to 30 years,

2. Students,
3. Medical interns,
4. Doctors,
 5. Nurses,
6. Care-takers,
7. People who regularly take medicines to suppress the immune system functioning.

Diagnosis of Mononucleosis

Based on the signs and symptoms you have been experiencing like swollen lymph nodes,
spleen, tonsils, etc., the doctor will order a few tests for confirmation.

You must note that diseases like Hepatitis and Toxoplasmosis can mimic or have very similar
symptoms are the ones which are experienced during Mononucleosis.

1. Blood tests – blood tests are ordered to see whether the count of white blood cells has
increased or not. If it has gone pup, that may indicate Mononucleosis. Another thing
that you might find out from the blood test is the type of anti-bodies you have to battle
the virus.
2. Anti-biotic medications – the doctor will give short courses over the span of your
illness to treat other infections like tonsils. The course is usually of 5 days in every
month. An intake more than that can lead to an imbalance in the body.
3. Topical treatments – topical creams, lotions and other application based medicines
may be given to soothe the skin rash. Some ointments can also be applied inside the
mouth for the sores.
4. General medication – you will be prescribed medicines for fever, jaundice, etc., for
faster healing.

Possible Complications of Mononucleosis

Usually, if you are suffering from Mononucleosis then you would suffer from the secondary
infections like tonsils, rashes, fever etc.

However, in some cases there are a few other complications like –

Enlarged Spleen – due to the infections, you may end up with an enlarged spleen. In that
case, it is advised that you wait for at least a month after you have recovered from the disease
to avoid rupturing your spleen. Though a rupture of the spleen is a rare condition but it is a
life-threatening. If you suddenly have a sharp, one-sided pain in the upper left side of the
abdomen, then you should call your doctor immediately.

Inflammation of the liver – in cases of hepatitis, the liver might have some inflammation. It
could be partial or whole.

Jaundice – you may see that your skin and eyes may turn yellow. This occurs occasionally
with the patients of Mononucleosis.

Other Complications – the other rare complications of Mononucleosis are –

 1. Anemia,
2. Thrombocytopenia – the blood starts to clot when this happens;
3. Inflammation of the heart and supporting muscles,
4. Meningitis,
5. Encephalitis,
6. Guillain-Barre syndrome,
7. Obstruction of breathing due to severe tonsillitis.

Can Mononucleosis Recur?

Although Mononucleosis is a common infection and easy to treat, it is possible that it may
recur months or at times, even years later. The virus once cured, stays dormant inside the
body for a very long time – the entire life, to be precise. When the virus gets reactivated, it
can be detected in tests using your saliva. It is however, very unlikely that you will fall ill
again like the last time.

However, people who have weak immune systems due to diseases like AIDS or have been
taking immunity suppressant drugs, they might fall sick all over again.

When to Meet Your Doctor?

If you are having the above symptoms then you should contact your doctor for consultation,
if nothing else.

If a regular, healthy diet does not resolve your issues within 2 to 3 weeks then see your doctor
for more tests.

How to Prepare For Appointments

Here is some information that will be useful for your doctor and must be noted down for a
better diagnosis –

1. Write down the symptoms you have been experiencing over the last few days. Make
sure you write down any symptom even though they have not been so prominent.
2. If you have been going through emotional, mental or physical stress; mention that.
3. Write down your routine habits, daily schedules, etc.
4. Tell your doctor if you have recently had sex with a stranger or if you have had a
blood or organ transplant.
5. Make a list of the health conditions you have been suffering from lately.
6. Make a list of medications you have been taking in the last few days.
7. Whatever questions you might want to ask your doctor, make a list of those.

Question to Ask Your Doctor

 1. What are the most likely causes?
2. What are the usual symptoms?
3. What tests will be conducted?
4. Will it affect my other health conditions?
5. What restrictions should you follow?
6. Would you need bed rest?
7. When can you return to your physical activities?
8. Should you avoid physical stress?
9. What medicines you should avoid when you have this disease?
10. What websites are recommended for informal help?

Recovery from Mononucleosis

Mostly the patients recover from the disease within 3 to 4 weeks after the incubation periods.
However, in some cases of Chronic Mononucleosis, the patient may suffer from the disease
for over 6 weeks.

Some patients retain the virus in their body and the virus may reactivate in the body at any
time in their life without any signs or symptoms. The virus stays dormant in the red blood
cells throughout their life. If this happens, then it is possible for the patient to spread it to
other people.

This may also establish a relationship with the blood cells while it is inactive and the immune
system of the body. A very rare happening could be that the virus carriers may develop
Burkitt’s Lymphoma or Nasopharyhngeal Carcinoma – these are both rare cancers. The virus
may play a vital role in the development of these diseases in the body.

Can You Prevent Mononucleosis?

This infection is very difficult to prevent since it gets transmitted very easily. It is possible for
healthy people who have had this disease before to spread it periodically. It is believed and
proved medically that people gets this virus once in their lifetime.

Coping Mechanism for Mononucleosis

The basic coping mechanism for this disease is to eat a healthy diet, drink a lot of water and
take good rest. Another thing is that, you can add health supplements for speedy recovery like
Vitamin capsules, tablets and syrups.
Home Remedies for Mononucleosis

Every disease has easier remedies which can be followed within the comfort of your home
and without ingesting any chemically produced medicines.

1. Water intake – while you are suffering from this disease, make sure you increase the
amount of water you drink on a daily basis. The minimum you should be drinking is 4
liters to flush out the virus, help with the fever and sores. This will also prevent
dehydration which may be a direct result of the disease or the medications.
2. Gargles – this is the best remedy. Take one glass of water and boil it. Make sure the
temperature is such that you can drink it without burning your throat. In this water,
mix half to one teaspoon of salt. Use this to gargle at least 7 to 8 times every day till
your throat feels better.
3. Relax – to make sure you do not end up with a ruptured spleen, you must avoid any
strenuous physical activity. Consult your doctor before you get back to your daily
routine.
4. Pain killers – to ease the pain or discomfort, take the Over-The-Counter medicines
like Paracetamol or Combiflam.
5. Bed rest – the first 2 to 3 weeks of the disease you must resort to complete bed rest.
This will help your body recover faster.
6. Sharing utensils – do not share your utensils with others when the virus is active in
your body. This will lead to more sick people.
7. Sexual intercourse – you should not have sex or indulge in any sexual activity till
you have been fully cured.
8. Blood transplant – you must not donate blood or agree for transplant while you are
suffering from the disease.
9. Astragalus – it is a common herb in most of the Chinese herbal medications. It is
very useful to build the immune system. It helps in building resistance to fungal
infections, bacteria and inflammatory toxins. To reap the benefits, add the herb to
your food or mix its powder in hot water and drink it as tea.
10. Echinacea – this stimulates the immune system and has a high therapeutic value. It
comes from a flower and the powder should be mixed with warm water. Take 2
teaspoons and mix well before drinking.
11. Garlic – this is an all-round remedy for all problems related to the reproductive
system. Eat one piece of garlic, raw every day till all your symptoms go away.
12. Licorice root – this is a good remedy for sore throat and cough. It also will help you
get rid of pain. Take the root and grind well, mix the powder in water or milk – 1
teaspoon. Drink this twice every day for good results.
13. Olive leaves – this plant is a very good for killing viruses. Take 1 fresh leaf and eat it
every day in the morning.
14. Probiotics – eat curd or yogurt for this, at least 2 bowls every day. They not only
improve the immune system but also your gut.
 15. Vitamin B – vitamin B6 and B12 are present in food items like garlic, milk, potatoes,
bananas, etc. They improve your cognitive functions. You can aslo buy the health
supplements which have these vitamins.
16. Dietary habits – your diet should have components like berries, green leafy
vegetables, beets, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, avocados, figs, spinach, chard,
mushrooms, etc. They boost the body functions, immunity and inflammation of the
affected parts.
17. Essentials oils – oils extracted from Oregano, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Lavender, etc., are
very helpful in relieving symptoms of Mononucleosis. Drink 1 teaspoons of the oil
twice, daily. You can also apply the oil on your throat and massage. It works
internally as well externally.

Frequently Asked Questions

 How early can a child get infected with Mononucleosis?

A child can be infected with the virus as early as the age of 1 year old. It is possible
for it to happen before the age of 1 year, but it is very rare.
 Is fever a mandatory symptom?
It is not necessary that fever is the first or the on-going symptom of the disease.
However, the main reason for fever is because it indicates that your body is suffering
from a disease. Therefore, you may or may not have fever in the initial stage.
 Can falling or receiving a blow rupture the spleen?
Yes, any pressure which the spleen is unable to handle is capable of rupturing the
spleen. This is why any physical activity which may be strenuous is prohibited during
this disease.
 Can you give blood after you have suffered from this disease?
No. It is not allowed to give blood or sign up for any transplant programs because it is
easy for you to transfer the virus to another person. If you really have to, then inform
the doctor before any such transplant is done. This way, the doctor will check you
first for any remnants of the disease.
 Can the disease be transferred even when a condom is used?
Yes. This is because the disease can be transferred from any bodily fluid like saliva,
semen, vaginal discharges, blood, etc.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-
20350328

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20350333

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/222040-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/expert-
answers/mononucleosis/faq-20058564