MyMediktor - The kissing disease - 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

Mark D Aronson, Paul G Auwaerter. Infectious mononucleosis in adults and adolescents. UpToDate Aug 26, 2016.
Vetsika EK, Callan M. Infectious mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus. Expert Rev Mol Med 2004; 6:1.
Heath CW Jr, Brodsky AL, Potolsky AI. Infectious mononucleosis in a general population. Am J Epidemiol 1972; 95:46.
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.
G. Verger. Infecciones por el virus de Epstein-Barr: mononucleosis infecciosa. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2465:2466.
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

Symptoms

Swollen neck glands

Feel weak

Tiredness / fatigue

Sore throat

Fever between 39ºC and 39.9ºC

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever that doesn't subside with 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 hydration of 2 litres per day.

Consume over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics in case of muscle pain or fever (Tº > 38ºC).

Do not take antibiotics without medical advice.

Do not do any physical activity for a month from the onset of the symptoms.