Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on March 11, 2021
Mononucleosis, or "mono," is a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms that usually testify up four to 6 weeks afterwards yous go it. It'southward sometimes called the "kissing disease" because the virus often spreads through smooches.
The well-nigh common culprit is the Epstein-Barr virus. But other viruses likewise tin give you mononucleosis. Just because you get the virus doesn't mean it volition plow into a full-blown instance of mono. Many people who are infected, especially small kids, have very few, if any, symptoms.
You might experience more tired than usual and accept a balmy fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may smashing under your artillery and in your neck and groin expanse. Y'all also may take body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.
Anyone can get mono. But teens and people in their early 20s are well-nigh likely to have symptoms serious enough to notice. Past and so, even if y'all haven't felt ill, you almost surely already caught the Epstein-Barr virus. If then, you probably won't get mono over again.
The virus lives in the spit of someone who has mono. So y'all can grab information technology from kissing them, or sharing cups, spoons, and other items. Mono doesn't spread as easily every bit the common cold, but you lot could go information technology through a coughing or sneeze if you lot're nearby. Other actual fluids, like blood and semen, may also pass information technology on.
When yous're sick, for certain. Only y'all also can requite mono to someone fifty-fifty earlier you know y'all accept information technology. That's because the virus may incubate for 4 to 7 weeks earlier you detect any signs. Even then, you may not recognize it as mono considering your symptoms may non all happen at one time. Some studies prove you can pass on the virus for as long as 18 months afterwards you recover.
Tell your dr. about all your symptoms and if yous've had mono before. They'll examine you, peradventure checking your lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and liver for swelling. This is usually enough to diagnose it, though in some cases you might need a claret test for Epstein-Barr antibodies, unusual white blood jail cell activity, or changes in the mode your liver works.
Neither antibiotics (which fight leaner) nor antiviral drugs work against mono. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen tin help with headache, fever, and body aches, but there are no medications that can cure or even shorten your bout of illness. Never requite aspirin to a kid sick from mono or any other virus because it tin can cause a serious condition chosen Reye's syndrome that can damage the liver.
It'south important to residual, especially early, when you feel the worst. That may help forbid complications and proceed you from feeling sicker. Beverage lots of water and other liquids to keep your body hydrated. Ice pops and other icy foods tin can relieve your sore throat, and it tin can help to gargle with saltwater solution several times a day. With enough of balance and fluids, most cases aren't serious and go better within a few weeks.
At that place's no vaccine for mono. If someone you know has it, don't lock lips with them! To be actually safe, await several days afterwards the person no longer has symptoms, peculiarly fever. Launder your hands regularly, and avoid sharing nutrient, drinks, and personal items similar toothbrushes. At that place's not much else you can do to end yourself from getting the virus. That'southward why 95% of Americans have it in their organization past the time they're adults.
Ane possible symptom of mono is an enlarged spleen. This makes it easier to interruption open, causing pain and haemorrhage within your torso that could require emergency surgery. So stay away from contact sports like football game and vigorous activities like weightlifting, tumbling, or roughhousing with friends. Doctors usually recommend you await at least a month after symptoms are gone.
Mono can inflame your liver and cause jaundice that yellows your skin and the whites of your eyes. Less often, information technology tin inflame the heart musculus (myocarditis), cause clotting issues, infect the nervous system (meningitis, Guillain-Barre), and make your red blood cells drop (anemia). Sometimes, tonsils can become so swollen that they make information technology hard to exhale. Talk to your doctor if you detect any of these signs.
IMAGES PROVIDED By:
ane) oneinchpunch / Getty Images
2) James Cavallini / Science Source
iii) Fizkes / Getty Images
4) Stockbyte / Getty Images
5) Jupiterimages / Getty Images
6) grublee / Getty Images
7) Photoalto RF / Eric Audras / Medical Images
8) GIPhotoStock / Scientific discipline Source
9) emeliemaria / Getty Images
10) milicad / Getty Images
11) PRImageFactory / Getty Images
12) Garry Watson / Science Source
SOURCES:
CDC: "About Infectious Mononucleosis."
Mayo Clinic: "Mononucleosis."
The Cleveland Clinic: "Mononucleosis."
The Nemours Foundation: "Mononucleosis," "How Long Is Mono Contagious?"
0 Response to "Feels Like I Have Mono Again"
Post a Comment