Mono is also popularly known as kissing disease as its main cause of transmission is deep kissing. This infectious disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus belonging to the herpes family. It is a mild disease that may settle down on its own. Anyone can catch this infection more commonly in their teenage. It is contagious like other viral infections. It can be transmitted through saliva, blood, urine or semen. Its symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, enlarged tonsils, and many more. It cannot be cured and only its symptoms can be managed. There is no vaccine for the prevention of this infection.
What Should You Not Do When You Have Mono?
The activities that should not be done if you are diagnosed with mono are-
Kissing Others– mono is most commonly spread by deep kissing. The virus spreads through the saliva of an infected person. So, kissing others should be avoided if you have mono.
Sharing Utensils And Tableware With Others– the utensils or tableware used by an infected person with mono when wet are contagious and can spread the virus. Special care should be taken while using such utensils.
Sneezing Or Coughing Without Keeping A Hand Or A Handkerchief– EBV infection can also spread through sneezing or coughing similar to flu. So, one should avoid going to public places if he has been diagnosed with mono.
Less Intake Of Fluids– if you have mono, then you may feel tiredness and loss of appetite. You may consume fewer fluids. But, lots of fluids should be taken in mono to recover fast.
Doing Strenuous Activities– mono-infection is followed by fatigue and taking sufficient rest is needed to recover from this fatigue. Instead, you participate in strenuous activities, then your condition may worsen more and the fatigue may continue longer.
Participation In Sports Like Weight Lifting Or Contact Sports– mono is exhausting and draining disease that may cause extreme fatigue. Instead of resting, if you participate in strenuous sports such as weight lifting or contact sports, your recovery period may increase and you may feel more exhausted.
Participating In Blood Transfusion And Organ Transplantation– EBV may spread through blood, if you have mono and you donate blood or organ, then other people may catch the infection. So, blood transfusion and organ transplantation after the diagnosis of mono are avoided.
Mononucleosis or mono is a contagious disease caused by an Epstein-Barr virus (EPV). This disease is also known as kissing disease. It is not a serious illness but it can cause complications that can be serious in a few cases. It affects mostly teenage children. However, it can develop at any age. It does not interfere with the normal activities of affected people. It is less contagious than a common cold. It usually resolves by itself in one to two months in many cases.
Causes Of Mono
The Epstein-Barr virus is the main causative virus of mono. It belongs to the herpes virus family. It is the most common virus that can infect humans in the world. People are exposed to this virus most commonly at their young age as teenagers. In some cases, even if people are exposed to this virus do not develop the symptoms of mono. These people may carry this virus for the rest of their life without having its symptoms.
In children, this virus does not cause symptoms in most of the cases and the infection gets undiagnosed. It represents noticeable symptoms in adults and adolescents in 35-50 % of cases. However, it can be caused by other viruses also in a few cases.
Conclusion
Mono is a common viral infection that leads to fatigue and tiredness. It requires a full rest to recover completely after the infection. The person with mono should avoid kissing others, sharing his utensils, his belongings with others and others discussed above to avoid any transmission.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis.” https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.html
- Mayo Clinic – Mononucleosis (Mono): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328
- National Health Service (NHS). “Mononucleosis (glandular fever).” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glandular-fever/
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