By 15 Red Flags That Reveal Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is also called “the kissing disease” because it is transferred through saliva.
According to Sciences, the first mention of this condition was in 1889, called glandular fever. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus.
The most common age group to contract this virus is between 10 and 35 years old. However, it can be more serious if a person contracts this disease when they are older. According to Health Research Funding, approximately 50 out of 100,000 people in this country are infected with this virus annually. It is estimated that around 98 percent of the world’s population carries the EBV virus, which is the main culprit for monkey.
Although each case is different, it may take 2 to 4 weeks for people with mononucleosis to recover, while some may have the EBV virus and have no symptoms. Some people take more than six months to fully regain their strength. If you don’t feel better after a month, it may indicate an ongoing problem with this virus.
It is not uncommon for people with mononucleosis to develop chronic or mono chronic fatigue syndrome.
Mononucleosis can upset your body and can make you feel like you can’t get your head out of bed. It’s best to get plenty of rest and allow the virus to make its way through your system. There is no cure for this condition, so there is no magic bullet to improve it.
15 signs you might have mononucleosis
If you have been exposed to this virus or feel like you may have it, there are some undeniable signs. Of course, many of these symptoms are the same as with other infectious conditions, so it is essential to have a blood test to rule out or confirm mononucleosis. Here are the 15 most common signs of this disease.
1. Fever
Typically, people with mononucleosis have a high fever ranging from 102 to 104 F. Of course, chills and weakness can occur with this fever. Fevers can come and go during the time your body fights this virus.
2. Debilitating fatigue
One of the hallmarks of mononucleosis is debilitating fatigue. This exhaustion is not comparable to the lack of sleep the night before. It is exhaustion that is so debilitating that you feel like taking a shower is something that requires every ounce of force you have.
3. Sore throat with white spots
A severe sore throat with white spots is classic with mononucleosis. In many cases, the pain will travel to the upper part of the throat, prompting doctors to treat you for strep. If you have a severe sore throat, ask your provider to test you for strep, as many are misdiagnosed as having mononucleosis.
4. Swollen lymph glands
the Lymphatic glands in the back of the head, neck and armpits they can become swollen and inflamed. They may be so sore that raising their arms or moving their head can be a discomfort. A heat compress can help relieve some of the pain.
Just know that your immune system is working overtime to fight the virus attacking your body.
5. Measles-like rash
A rash is sometimes seen on the arms, face, chest, and torso with mononucleosis. The swelling looks more like a heat rash and shouldn’t itch or be painful.
6. Tender and swollen spleen
The spleen is often swollen as it helps clear the infection from the body. You may feel that it is abnormally large and tender on the side of the liver area. You need to be careful as the spleen can rarely burst, especially if you try to do too much and it is swollen.
7. Headaches
With the large swelling of the lymph nodes, it is typical for you to experience headaches. Headaches are usually one of the first symptoms to appear once you have been infected. They will last until the swollen lymph nodes disappear.
8. Muscle aches
Your muscles may throb like you have the flu when you are dealing with mononucleosis. It is a typical response of your body when fighting an infection. There are many herbal supplements and essential oils that can help with throbbing muscles until this condition passes.
9. Liver problems
The liver is another organ that filters toxins through the body and can also be involved in this disease. If you notice that you have yellowish eyes or skin, it is a sign that your liver is not working properly. Again, many things can cause liver problems, but mononucleosis is also a concern when it comes to this major organ.
10. General disease that does not go away
Many people think they have the flu or have contracted a stomach virus. However, the long-lasting nature of this condition may make you believe that something more serious is happening. A rapid single-point test can determine if you are fighting the EBV virus and if it is what is making you feel so bad.
11. Dizziness
Since the lymph nodes press on the back of your neck, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. It can also be caused by weakness and fighting the virus. Fortunately, this symptom will pass. Some great herbs can help with dizziness, such as peppermint, sage, rosemary, and frankincense.
12. You have kissed or drunk after someone infected
One of the giant red flags that I may have monkey is that you’ve been close to someone else who has it. It is only spread through the air if an infected person sneezes and the droplets mix with their saliva. You can get it by sharing a drink with someone infected and by kissing them.
You may think you are healthy, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks for symptoms to appear. Also, know that you can also be a carrier of EBV and not have any symptoms. Remember that even after you feel good enough to get on with your life, you may still have the active virus in your saliva.
It should be for a couple of months afterward to make sure it doesn’t infect others.
13. Chills
Many people report that they cannot get hot no matter what they do. Chills are a typical immune response when muscles contract, trying to warm up the body. It’s common when you have a fever or another illness that knocks you out.
14. Anxiety
An anomaly of this virus is that many people develop anxiety and panic problems during the onset. It is a strange phenomenon since the two are not connected. However, when the virus persists and develops into chronic fatigue, it is not uncommon for involve mental health aspects.
Also, since mononucleosis makes people feel so bad, it is typical to worry about the possibility of more serious health problems. Most causes of anxiety will resolve with the condition, but sometimes it becomes a disorder that needs to be managed and other ongoing problems.
15. Difficulty breathing
When there is swelling or infection in the throat and near the airways, it can cause trouble breathing. Respiratory problems are always serious and must be evaluated. Swelling can get out of control when it comes to an infection, so these issues need to be closely monitored.
Final thoughts on knowing the first signs of mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is a serious disease that can knock you out. The Epstein-Barr virus causes it more often, but cytomegalovirus can drive it in some rare cases. Since it is transferred through people’s saliva, it is best never to drink after anyone else, even your loved ones.
In most cases, the monkey will go away on its own and cause no further difficulties. However, for some people, the condition can last more than six months and become a lifelong problem. When this occurs, the disease can transform into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or chronic mono.
The EBV virus can become reactive during your life whenever you are faced with physical problems. Although it was once believed that you could only get mononucleosis once, it has now been shown that you can get this disease more than once in your life. The EBV virus remains dormant in the body and can burst out of nowhere.
This virus is often seen among teenagers and college-age students, as there are many kisses and shared drinks. However, an older person can get it, although it is not as contagious in this crowd. It is said that when someone older gets mononucleosis, it is much worse for their body as they have no immunity to fight it as well.
When it comes to being proactive, it is essential to never share drinks and to be selective about the people you kiss. Parents caring for sick children should also take appropriate precautions, as they can spread the virus quickly through coughing and sneezing.
