Mono 2
Mono 2Infectious Mononucleosis known popularly as "mono" is a infectious
disease caused by the Epstien-Barr virus in a estimated 90 percent of cases
( EBV ) a member of the herpes family. The remaining cases are caused by a
certain herpes virus, or cytomegalovirus. Mononucleosis is taken from the
name of the blood's mononuclear cells, white blood cells ( B cells ) increase
in the person blood stream when a person has this disease.
It is estimated that seventy to eighty percent involve persons between
the ages of 15 to 30. This disease is common in both men and women,
although it has been documented that this disease affects men slightly more
than women. Mononucleosis does not occur during any particular season as
does the common cold, although studies show that the most cases are
reported during the fall and spring.
The actual way that mononucleosis is passed is unknown,
although what is known is that the virus can travel in saliva which is the
primary source, therefore it may be spread through coughing , mouth to
mouth contact of mucous membranes during kissing. This is where the
common nickname was derived "the kissing disease". In rare cases this
disease may be transmitted through blood transfusions. The disease is usually
transmitted to family members, friends and people that you may go to school
with, rather then people that live in the same community.
People often come in contact with the disease or EBV bacteria at least
once in there life. Although symptoms are incredibly mild or they are not
present at all. When the disease is present in a persons blood stream it is only
contagious for the first two weeks . Although, the disease may be present for
the rest of a person's life, it discontinues to produce the active infection along
with its symptoms.
The symptom that most people complain about is fatigue because it is
the easiest to recognize. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, and
swollen glands ( enlarged lymph nodes) in the armpit, neck and throat. As
well the spleen may become enlarged and become tender to the touch. Other
common symptoms include loss of appetite, sore muscles and overall
weakness. These symptoms are usually found in adolescents rather then
younger children. Often a pinkish rash will appear when the patient has been
treated with ampicillian. These symptoms begin to occur after four to six
weeks exposure to the virus. Sometimes the liver and the spleen will be
affected by the virus. This disease is rarely ever fatal.
In young children and older adults the disease is much harder to
diagnose because the typical symptoms are not present. As most symptoms
go unrecognized. No one actually knows how long the period of infectioness
actually lasts, although the disease can be found in people's saliva for at least
six months. The disease can be found in about fifteen percent of people's...
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