Kissing Diseases (Mononucleosis) | Cause, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment

Here you can learn more about the kissing illness, also known as mononucleosis, as well as the associated symptoms, cause and various diagnoses of kissing sickness and mono-viral infection. If you are affected by the kissing illness, it is very important that you take your doctor's advice into consideration. Follow and like us too Our Facebook page for free, daily health updates.

Infectious mononucleosis, often just called kissing sickness, refers to a diagnosis caused by a viral infection due to the Epstein-Barr virus. It usually affects teenagers, but theoretically one can be affected at any age. The virus is spread by saliva - so therefore it is often referred to as "kissing disease". If you have been affected by the kissing disease, then it is very unlikely that you will be affected again - due to the fact that you develop an immunity to the disease.

Some of the most common symptoms of kissing are high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a very sore throat. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and one should expect complete improvement within one to two months.

In this article you will learn more about what might be the cause of the kissing illness, as well as various symptoms and treatment methods of mononucleosis.

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Cause and diagnosis: Why do you get the kissing disease (mononucleosis)?

Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This is a virus that is part of the well-known and beloved herpes family - and is thus one of the most common viruses that infect people all over the world.

The virus spreads via saliva or other body fluids (such as blood) from an infected person. It can thus be spread through sexual intercourse, hosting, sneezing, kissing or by drinking the same bottle as one with the kissing illness.

It takes four to eight weeks from the time you become infected until the first symptoms occur. But it is worth mentioning that almost 50 per cent of cases of infection are so that the infection does not become symptomatic.

Risk factors for being affected by the kissing illness

It has been shown that some categories of people have a higher chance of getting mononucleosis - these include:

• Medical personnel
• Nursing assistants
• People with reduced immune system
• Nurses
• Younger aged 15 - 30 years

As you can see, it is especially those who are in contact with larger public gatherings that are at higher risk of getting the kissing illness.

Symptoms of the kissing illness

Common symptoms of those afflicted by the kissing illness may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Muscle weakness
• night Sweating
• Sore throat
• Exhaustion

Normally, symptoms of kissing disease persist for about 1 month - but certain cases can persist for 2 months. Possible complications of long-term mononucleosis may include enlarged spleen and enlarged liver. Understandably, it can be difficult to distinguish between the common cold and the kissing disease.

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Diagnosis of kissing disease (mononucleosis)

To diagnose the mononucleosis, the doctor will first take a patient history, followed by a clinical examination and any specialist tests if needed. It is also important to rule out the possibility of a more serious viral infection - such as hepatitis A.

This may include:

• Blood tests: Your doctor may take blood samples to check your blood levels. By measuring the content of the blood sample itself, one can get indications of what it is that gives you the symptoms you experience - for example, a higher content of white blood cells can indicate that you are affected by an infection.
• Epstein-Barr antibody test: This is a blood test that measures specific antibodies that the body produces to fight this virus. This test can detect kissing disease already in the first week that you are affected.

Treatment of the kissing illness

Mononucleosis treatment is normally treated with self-treatment and rest. We will start with what you can do to alleviate symptoms and contribute to improvement.

Self-treatment against the kissing illness

Some good ways to relieve mononucleosis may include:

• Drink green tea
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Rest
• High fluid intake to avoid dehydration
• Eating power

Medicinal treatment of kissing sickness

It is important to mention that antibiotics can aggravate viral infections - and that they can lead to life-threatening side effects in certain cases.

So how can I prevent being infected by the kissing illness?

You can not prevent being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. This is because healthy people who have previously been affected by this viral infection can still spread the virus - in certain situations. At the age of 35, almost everyone at this age has been affected by the Epstein-Barr virus - and that they have also developed an immunity due to their own production of antibodies against this viral infection.

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Summarizeringing

You can reduce the chance of being affected by kissing disease by eating healthy and having a good diet - especially antioxidants are extremely important in preventing such infections and promoting a good immune system. If you have persistent symptoms as mentioned in this article, contact your doctor for an examination.

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Recommended self help

Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat and Cold Gasket): Heat can increase blood circulation to tight and sore muscles - but in other situations, with more acute pain, cooling is recommended, as it reduces the transmission of pain signals. Due to the fact that these can also be used as a cold pack to calm swelling, we recommend these.

Read more here (opens in new window): Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat & Cold Gasket)

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Frequently asked questions about kissing and mononucleosis

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