Mononucleosis(Infectious Mononucleosis; Mono)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionMononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by a virus. It is marked by fever, lack of energy, and swollen glands.
CausesMono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is passed from person to person through contact with someone else's saliva, such as through:
Risk FactorsMany people get EBV during their lifetime. Things that raise the risk that EBV will turn into mono are:
Getting mono once means a person will be immune to it in the future. SymptomsSigns of mono start 4 to 7 weeks after a person was exposed to the virus. The first symptoms may be a sense of weakness that lasts about 1 week. Next, a person may have:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests may be done to look for signs of infection. TreatmentThere is no way to cure mono or to shorten the length of the illness. It lasts 4 to 6 weeks, but the lack of energy may last longer. The goal is to manage symptoms. Choices are:
PreventionTo lower the risk of this problem:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:Dunmire SK, Verghese PS, et al. Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. J Clin Virol. 2018 May;102:84-92. Ebell MH, Call M, et al. Does this patient have infectious mononucleosis?: The rational clinical examination systematic review. JAMA. 2016 Apr 12;315(14):1502-1509.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-infection
. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Mononucleosis. Family Doctor—Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 28, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 4/30/2021 | |
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