OH NO, MONO!

I Thought It Was Only A "Teen" Problem

There is one disease that is most commonly attached to youth, something we called "the kissing disease" for many years.  Mononucleosis, or mono as it is most frequently called, is experienced in teens more often than in other age groups, or rather is diagnosed in teens more often.  Because it is a difficult disease to identify initially, many children and adults exhibit symptoms of mono without having it identified as such. 

The virus responsible for mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes virus family.  The virus is ever present and most adults have been infected with EBV by the time they arrive in their late 20s.  In more than 90% of mono cases, Epstein-Barr virus is the cause.  The good news is that once a person has been infected they develop a lifelong immunity to future infections from the disease.  The other side is that when a person is experiencing mono, it can be a long haul.  Most often the symptoms last for several weeks and can even carry on for several months, depending upon the severity of the case.

That Sounds Like The Flu

So, here comes Josh.  He's home from his basketball game and feeling more tired than usual.  He doesn't want to eat the huge post-game meal which he's been known to down in ten minutes or less and he's beginning to run a fever.  By morning, Josh's face and neck look as though they are one piece, lymph nodes swollen and he's running a fever of 103.  His throat feels tight and constricted and very sore.  These are all of the classic signs of mono and present themselves about two or three weeks after exposure in teens and adults.  Children exhibit these signs usually ten days after being exposed to the virus. 

Then It Gets Worse

The body's biggest lymph node, the spleen, can become enlarged and can produce abdominal pain.  Such is the case in about 50% of those infected with mono.  It is also possible that the liver may be enlarged as well.  Occasionally there is a red rash, similar to measles, accompanying all of this.  A pretty sight, to be sure.  Sometimes the symptoms can become serious and require medical intervention.  This type of scenario, fortunately, doesn't happen very often.

And Then It Gets Better

A visit to the doctor will confirm mono and unless the symptoms worsen, bed rest, plenty of fluids and time along with some over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient to deal with things until the person is feeling better.  It may take some time though, so don't rush back into a busy physical schedule until there is clearance from the doctor.