Kissing Disease - Mononucleosis

Kissing Disease - Mononucleosis

Kissing is a natural thing done by humans. It has many natural positive effects in health and well being. However, there is also a health risk when it comes to any kissing activity. Mononucleosis, glandular fever or commonly called "kissing disease", is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is a common "kissing" viral infection. Learn more about the disease in this article and I assure you that you will be more extra careful for your next kiss.

Mononucleosis is an infectious disease that causes fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Although the disease goes away naturally without medical help, it is still important that you know the basic preventions, symptoms and treatments for this infection. Plus, the disease may last months without treatment.

The EBV virus is a member of herpes virus family and is the main culprit of more than 90% of Glandular fever cases worldwide. It is a double stranded DNA virus which was named after English virologist Sir Anthony Epstein and Yvonne Barr.

Everybody can be infected by this virus even children and is found worldwide. The virus is transmitted via saliva, blood and genital secretions. However, kissing is the most common cause of this viral infection. It has been studied that large number of cases of Mononucleosis are teenagers and college students. Fortunately, complications are rare and hospitalization is not required for most cases.

EBV can be neutralized by our natural antibodies which are commonly visible in the blood. This means that a person can be or been infected by the virus sometime in their lives. An increased in blood lymphocytes is the most common form of Mononucleosis.

This kissing disease can spread through person to person contact. It can also spread through sneezing with the infected saliva contaminating the air which can be inhaled by others. Sharing foods and food utensils can also cause this viral infection.

Good thing about this virus is that it cannot cause us serious harm. An individual can develop an immunity from the disease from the first infection, making your body immune for the next possible infection. However, the virus can still be transmittable to others during the next few weeks of carrying the disease.

Below are the symptoms of this Kissing Disease:

• Malaise (lack of energy)
• Appetite loss
• Chills
• Fever
• Sore throats
• Enlarge lymph nodes
• Vomiting
• Enlarged liver
• Upset stomach
• Swelling around the eyes
• Rashes
• Weight loss
• Muscle aches
• Sensitivity to light
• Neck stiffness
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Irregular heart beat
• Shortness of breath
• Hives
• Nose bleed

Diagnosis for this disease is commonly confirmed through blood tests which of course are based from the patient's symptoms and signs. An unusual appearance and an increased type of white blood cells (lymphocytes) can determine the virus as EBV. Also, alternative blood tests such as monospot and heterophile antibody tests can also determine the diagnosis of Mononucleosis.

Specific treatment for Mononucleosis is not necessary because the disease will naturally go away overtime. Rest and natural drug medication for its symptoms are enough to treat the disease. In short, total support, enough sleep and comfort measures are all you need to eliminate this viral infection.

Mononucleosis or Kissing disease is not alarming but it is better that we are well informed for this kind of infections. Now that you know that there is a viral infections from saliva, it is wise to stay away from any activities that associates with saliva. Stay with one partner and you will have less risk of this disease.