“Kissing disease” in spring: what are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis

infectious mononucleosis This is an infection that spreads through saliva. It is known as “Kissing Disease” and is caused by viruses epstein barrFrom the herpes virus family.

In most cases, those affected are older children, teenagers and the elderly. It is important to highlight when its greatest incidence occurs spring months, The disease is spread from person to person through droplets of flu (saliva) and shared use of utensils and/or glasses.

Its incubation period is about 15 days (this is the time that passes between contagion and the appearance of the first symptoms), although many times the disease may go unnoticed, and that is why it is known by this name. “The Great Simulator”.

Its most characteristic symptoms are the following:

-Odynophagia (sore throat).

-difficulty swallowing.

-Swelling of tonsils.

-Headache.

-Fever.

-running nose.

-General discomfort (fatigue, weakness and exhaustion).

-Lack of appetite.

-Adenopathy (inflammation of the lymph nodes).

-rash.

On some occasions, Complications may occurwhich are quite common, such as liver problems, including liver inflammation And yellowing of the eye conjunctiva and feet may also appear, known as Jaundice,

This may also appear Sudden severe pain in the left side and upper abdomen, Due to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). For this, it is advisable to rest and avoid any type of effort, as it is important that a major problem such as rupture of this organ does not occur, causing intense pain.

Other more serious complications may appear, but less often and,

-Anemia: Decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin.

-Thrombocytopenia: Decrease in platelet count (responsible for coagulation).

-Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).

If you suffer from this disease, you should avoid kissing and not share utensils for several weeks, at least until you no longer experience a fever. This virus can remain in saliva for several months after medical discharge. There is no vaccine to prevent infectious mononucleosis.

The infection disappears without causing long-term effects, most people who have had the disease develop antibodies and it usually does not recur.

To confirm the diagnosis, It is necessary to request a blood test, Called the Paul Bunnell reaction and a complete blood count, which will show elevated white blood cells and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, both parameters that indicate the presence of an infectious process.

It is necessary to comply with the following measures:

-hand hygiene.

-Good hydration: Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

-bed rest.

-Fever reducing medicines.

-Healthy Diet.

The important thing, as we always say, is to consult a doctor when the first symptoms appear.

,Dr. Stella Maris Cuevas: MN: 81701 Otorhinolaryngologist – Specialist in smell – Allergist Former President of the Otorhinolaryngology Association (AOCBA) of the City of Buenos Aires