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Mononucleosis - Infectious mononucleosis

Very low urgency
Very common-

It is a viral infection also known as the ‘kissing disease’.

It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which is generally transmitted by saliva.

It manifests with fever, throat pain and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Less frequently, spleen rupture and obstruction of the airways may happen, which are life-threatening complications.

Diagnosis is reached through collection of clinical history and physical examination, confirmed with blood tests.

There is no specific treatment, treating the symptoms and it is advisable not to perform contact sport if there is spleen enlargement. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Mark D Aronson, Paul G Auwaerter. Infectious mononucleosis in adults and adolescents. UpToDate Aug 26, 2016.
  2. Vetsika EK, Callan M. Infectious mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus. Expert Rev Mol Med 2004; 6:1.
  3. Heath CW Jr, Brodsky AL, Potolsky AI. Infectious mononucleosis in a general population. Am J Epidemiol 1972; 95:46.
  4. Higgins CD, Swerdlow AJ, Macsween KF, et al. A study of risk factors for acquisition of Epstein-Barr virus and its subtypes. J Infect Dis 2007; 195:474.
  5. G. Verger. Infecciones por el virus de Epstein-Barr: mononucleosis infecciosa. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2465:2466.
  6. Jeffrey I. Cohen. Infecciones causadas por el virus de Epstei-Barr, incluída mononucleosis infecciosa. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1186: 1190.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Swollen nodes on the neck

    Feel weak

    Tiredness / fatigue

    Sore throat

    Fever between 39ºC / 102.2ºF and 39.9ºC / 103.82ºF

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever not relieved by antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).
Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
Do not do any physical activity for a month from the onset of symptoms.
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