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Mononucleosis: Symptoms
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Mononucleosis (... called mono) is a viral illness. It is a very common infection, which often causes no symptoms, especially when children have it. However, for adolescents and young adults it is a frequent cause of illness and serious discomfort.
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Mononucleosis usually goes away on its own, and most treatment focuses on making the person more comfortable. Because there is no medical cure for mononucleosis, the basic treatment plan usually calls for getting plenty of rest and fluids and treating any uncomfortable symptoms. For example, cold drinks, frozen desserts and gargling with salt water can help to relieve minor sore throat pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken to fight fever and body aches.
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Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono usually isn't very serious, although the virus remains in your body for life. Some people with mono have minimal symptoms, and the infection goes unrecognized.
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The first symptoms of mononucleosis are usually fever and a sore throat, which can be severe. Fatigue, malaise, and loss of appetite, often associated with nausea, generally follow. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits is common, and the spleen or liver may become enlarged. Mononucleosis usually runs its course in two to four weeks, although cases may be as brief as a week or last six to eight weeks. After recovery, fatigue may continue for several weeks or months.
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The fact that one is still possibly contagious after contracting mononucleosis is not as scary as it sounds. Almost everyone is exposed to Epstein Barr repeatedly throughout life. Scientists estimate an exposure rate for most people at about 80-90%. Not all who have Epstein Barr antibodies will get mononucleosis. Current research suggests that times of extreme stress or overwork may make one more susceptible to a full-blown case of mononucleosis, and that exposure may have occurred many years prior. In most cases children with mononucleosis are never diagnosed unless they exhibit all the symptoms, which many never do.
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Usually, mononucleosis is an acute, self-limiting infection for which there is no specific therapy. For years, standard treatment was bed rest for four to six weeks, with limited activity for three months after all symptoms had disappeared. Today, doctors usually only recommend avoiding strenuous exercise. One real hazard of uncomplicated mononucleosis is the possibility of damaging one's enlarged spleen. Therefore, the patient should avoid lifting, straining, and competitive sports until recovery is complete. A person should limit other activity according to symptoms and how he or she feels.
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