Mononucleosis

I wonder what fool it was that first invented kissing - Jonathan Swift

Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis

image by: Israel.

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Can you have mono more than once?

Mononucleosis, known as the “kissing disease” in my youth, is a viral disease that has engendered many a myth. The idea that you can have the nonspecific group of symptoms we call “mono” only once is just one of them.

Unless specified by the virus that causes it, the term mononucleosis is a general name for a suite of symptoms of viral illness. These symptoms include swollen glands, fever, sore throat, and fatigue. The spleen will swell along with the lymph nodes, and even after the acute fever and sore throat depart, the fatigue and a feeling of unwellness may last several weeks.

The virus that is most associated with mono is the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV. EBV often infects…

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 Can you have mono more than once?

Mononucleosis, known as the “kissing disease” in my youth, is a viral disease that has engendered many a myth. The idea that you can have the nonspecific group of symptoms we call “mono” only once is just one of them.

CDC

Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. Most people will get infected with EBV in their lifetime and will not have any symptoms. Mono caused by EBV is most common among teens and adults…

eMedicineHealth

Infectious mononucleosis (often called "mono") is a common viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Mononucleosis is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and it is most frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults. Mononucleosis generally resolves without medical help, though it may last from weeks to months.

FamilyDoctor

Avoid sports, physical activities or exercise of any kind until your doctor tells you it's safe. Moving around too much puts you at risk of rupturing your spleen, especially if it is enlarged. You need to avoid physical activities and contact sports for about 3 to 4 weeks after you've had mono.

MayoClinic

Your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms, how long they've lasted and a physical examination. He or she will look for signs like swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen, and consider how these signs relate to the symptoms you describe.

NHS

There is no cure for glandular fever, but there are a number of simple treatments and measures that can help reduce the symptoms while you wait for your body to control the infection.

ScienceDaily

It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis and the atypical T cells (T-lymphocytes).

TeensHealth

Not everyone who is exposed to EBV develops mono, though. As with many viruses, it is possible to be exposed to and infected with EBV without becoming sick. People who have been infected with EBV will carry the virus for the rest of their lives — even if they never have any signs or symptoms of mono. People who do show symptoms of having mono probably will not get sick or have symptoms again.

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