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Infectious Mononucleosis Learning Center

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What You Need to Know

Infectious Mononucleosis

If you or your child or loved one are feeling extremely tired, listless and sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day you might just have mono. The Infectious Mononucleosis Learning Center's Symptoms section provides a list of other symptoms of this viral illness, but fatigue is usually the first sign. Mono is caused by viruses that have subtle effects - making you feel run down. Most people with mono do not need to see a specialist - your health care provider will do the tests to determine the diagnosis.

There is no specific drug therapy for infectious mononucleosis. Because it is a viral illness, antibiotics are not recommended. The primary treatment is rest. For school aged children, this means as much as four weeks of missed time from school. Arrangements will need to be made with school officials for the child to continue studies at home. Parents will need to work with Family Leave benefits you may be eligible for. You will need documentation from your health care provider to confirm the treatment plan (rest at home) for both the school and your employer...however you are not required to disclose your child's diagnosis.

College students and military populations have the greatest risk of contracting mono, but people who have a history of blood transfusions or open heart surgery are also at risk. Families who have a member diagnosed with mono must take precautions to prevent spread to other family members through contact with saliva. Provide separate dishware for the infected person and wash dishes in very hot water. Use diluted bleach (10% solution) to clean contaminated surfaces.

Infectious Mononucleosis challenges the immune system and there may be complications.

While recovery may be slow and relapses may plague the patient with periodic episodes of fatigue, most people recover uneventfully.

Basic Info

Symptoms
Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat slowly gets wo...
Causes
Mononucleosis, or mono, is often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as "the kissing disease," and occur...
Tests
There may be a skin rash.Blood work often reveals a higher-than-normal white blood cell(WBC) count and unusual-lookin...
Treatments
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Medicines such as steroids (prednisone) and antivirals (such as acyclo...
Drugs
  • No Known Drug Therapy
Risk Factors
Complications
Death in persons with weakened immune systemsHemolytic anemiaHepatitis with jaundice (more common in patients older t...
Prevention
Persons with mononucleosis may be contagious while they have symptoms and for up to a few months afterwards. How lon...
Doctor Specialties
The initial symptoms of mono feel very much like a typical viral illness. It is not necessary to contact a health car...

Basic Info

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