brand-logo

Mononucleosis - Infectious mononucleosis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
Very common-

It is an infection of viral origin also called "kissing disease".

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

It manifests with the triad of fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Less frequently, it can cause splenic rupture and airway obstruction, resulting in life-threatening disease. 

The diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination, and confirmed with a blood test. 

There is no specific treatment, the symptoms are treated and it is advisable not to practice high-risk sports 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

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

    Sore throat

    Fever / Feel very hot

    Tiredness / fatigue

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.
Mediktor logo