Mononucleosis Essay, Research Paper

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also known as “Mono,” is an illness caused by an

infection with a virus. The virus, The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is usually the

cause of Mono. Other infectious viruses, like cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also

produce illnesses like Mono.

Most of the people who get Mono are adolescents and young adults. In

developed nations, the majority of the people has been exposed to the Epstein-

Barr virus by the age of 18. That means that many adults have had infections as

children caused by the Mono virus (which were asymptomatic or mild). Once

you get Mono, or the Epstein-Barr virus you are immune to re-infection.

Some of the symptoms of Mono are a painful sore throat with tonsillar

enlargement. Mono typically causes fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen

glands in the neck. Sometimes, people with Mono experience loss of appetite,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a measle-like rash. The rash is seen in more than

80% of patients who are infected with Mono, and are prescribed an antibiotic.

Mono is diagnosed based on a patients symptoms and a physical exam.

Since the symptoms of Mono are so similar to those of other illnesses, it is not

easy to diagnose Mono at an early stage. Diagnoses are confirmed by blood

tests.

There is no “cure” for Mono. It takes a long time for to overcome Mono.

Eventually your immune system will help you recuperate. When you have the

symptoms of Mono, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen to help relieve the throat

pain and fever. Getting rest and drinking at least two quarts of fluid a day are

also important.

One customary complication of Mono is dehydration. This may develop

due to an inadequate amount of fluid intake. Some infrequent complications are

blood disorders, neurological and psychological problems. However, once you

get Mono, there is a very, very slim chance that you will get Mono again.

One way of getting this disease are by kissing a person who carries the

virus in the saliva. Other ways have not yet been proven. The virus

accountable for Mono is contagious and is found in moist exhaled air, nasal and

oral-secretions. However, there is no known prevention for Mono and isolation

is not indicated. Children are incubated for about 4-14 days, and for adults 4-6

weeks. The initial symptoms of Mono clear up in about 7-10 days. Lymph node

swelling and fatigue usually last 2-4 weeks. Some patients might take longer to

recover. Some people might not even know they have Mono and are able to go

on with their usual activities.

Exhaustion may be a great factor in the recovery period. The length of

time one remains tired from Mono varies considerably. A lot of people have

barely any fatigue at any time. However, a few people will be tired for many

months. Also, if you are very tired, a change of scenery might do you good. My

cousin had Mono, and she went down to Florida to visit our grandparents for a

few weeks. The warmer climate and change of scenery helped with her

recovery.

One man who e-mailed me about Mono said that he couldn’t even type on

his computer let alone go along with his usual daily activities.

Even though there is no medicine to cure Mono. Some of the best ways

to minimize the disease are;

1. Get at least 10-12 hours of sleep a day.

2. Avoid contact sports

3. Avoid alcohol

4. Avoid social activities; limit activities to sleeping, eating, and, if

able, classes.

5. Remain at home if fever develops.

6. Eat a well balanced diet.

There are some complications in Mono. An enlarged spleen is frequently

found and might cause upper abdominal pain. Contact sports are discontinued

because a blow to the spleen might cause it to rupture.

Mono is contagious (through kissing and saliva), but it isn’t highly

contagious. 60 to 80 percent of college students have had mono in there

childhood, but weren’t specifically diagnosed, however they are immune to the

disease.

One of the main reasons Mono makes you weak is because it infects your

white blood cells, anytime a disease infects you your body must mount an

immune response so much energy is required and diverted from normal daily

requirements so you feel weaker. Since this is such a strong disease with so

many little illnesses (strep throat, cough, cold, flu) it has to fight off the little

illnesses as well as Mononucleosis and the Epstein-Barr virus which causes

Mono. Since your body has to fight all of these diseases, it takes up so much

energy for your immune system to fight them off.

I’ve talked about all the symptoms and causes of Mono. Mono is a very hard disease to get rid of,

but with time and rest, you’ll eventually get rid of

it.