Infectious Mononucleosis
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What is infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, "mono," or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands and fatigue.
What causes infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus, both of whom are members of the herpes simplex virus family. Consider the following:
- By the time one reaches adulthood, he/she has been exposed to the Epstein-Barr
virus. When children are infected with the virus, they usually do not
experience any noticeable symptoms. However, uninfected adolescents and
young adults who come in contact with the virus may develop infectious
mononucleosis in nearly 50 percent of exposures.
- The cytomegalovirus is a virus in the herpes simplex virus family which is very common. Overall, most adults and children who are infected with the cytomegalovirus usually do not develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis usually lasts for one to two months. The following are the most common symptoms of mononucleosis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- fever
- swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, and groin
- constant fatigue
- sore throat due to tonsillitis, which often makes swallowing difficult
- enlarged spleen
- liver involvement, such as mild liver damage that can cause temporary jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
Once a person has had mononucleosis, the virus remains dormant for the rest of that person's life. Once a person has been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, a person is usually not at risk for developing mononucleosis again.
The symptoms of the mononucleosis may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is infectious mononucleosis diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, a diagnosis of mononucleosis is usually based on reported symptoms. However, diagnosis can be confirmed with specific blood tests and other laboratory tests, including:
- white blood cell count
- antibody test
How is infectious mononucleosis spread?
Mononucleosis is often spread through contact with infected saliva from the mouth. Symptoms can take between four to six weeks to appear and usually do not last beyond four months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Transmission is impossible to prevent, according to the CDC, because even symptom-free people can carry the virus in their saliva.
Treatment for infectious mononucleosis:
Alleviating symptoms of mononucleosis may include the following:
- rest for about one month (to give the body's immune system time to destroy
the virus)
- corticosteroids (to reduce swelling of the throat and tonsils)
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Contact Information:
Department of Infectious Diseases
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
3533 S. Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
For consultation, appointments, and assistance: (800)700-8846.
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