Kissing disease, mononucleosis

Kissing disease, mononucleosis

Kissing illness, or mononucleosis, is a viral infection that spreads via saliva, for example by kissing. Young people are affected more often than others. Typical symptoms of kissing disease are sores and sore throats, swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes. In addition, the general condition will be reduced. It is important to take it easy when you have the kissing bug.

What is kissing disease?

Kissing sickness, which in the technical language is called mononucleosis, is an infection caused by the herpes virus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The name kissing disease comes from the fact that the disease is transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids. The disease most often affects teenagers and young adults, and can cause a sore throat, fever, fatigue and enlarged lymph glands in the neck. It is not considered a serious illness, but because the symptoms can last for a long time, the infection can lead to a lot of absence from school and work. In rare cases, kissing disease can become very serious, with the spleen rupturing. This requires immediate medical attention. Most people who have been infected recover without problems, and achieve lasting immunity.

How is kissing disease transmitted?

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus occurs through saliva, such as when coughing, sharing glasses and bottles or when kissing. You can also be infected through other body fluids, such as vaginal secretions and semen. Approximately 90% of all adults have been infected by the virus during childhood or adolescence, without becoming particularly ill from it. You can infect others even if you have no symptoms, and are contagious for up to a year and a half after you were infected.

Symptoms of kissing disease

Infection outside of adolescence usually causes few symptoms, and this is probably because the immune system in adolescents reacts differently to the virus than in children and adults. Feelings of illness are therefore most common in people between the ages of 14-20, although approximately half of the young people who are infected do not develop symptoms. It often takes 4-8 weeks from infection until you start to notice the first symptoms:

• Body pain

• Low fever

• Headache

• Decreased appetite

These symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks. Gradually, the symptoms are characterized by:

• High fever

• Swollen tonsils and sore throat (severe sore throat)

• Swollen lymph nodes on the neck

• Swelling of the eyelids

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Elevated liver values

• Half of those infected develop an enlarged spleen. This increases the risk of the spleen rupturing. The symptom of a ruptured spleen is acute, severe pain in the abdomen, which requires immediate medical attention

• In some cases, the swelling in the throat can cause breathing problems. A doctor must then be consulted quickly

Some have all these symptoms, while younger people and older adults often only experience fever and muscle aches. Most people will feel better after 1-2 weeks, but some may be weak and exhausted for up to several months. If the spleen is enlarged, it is important to avoid activities that may increase the risk of a blow to the stomach for a period. How long you have to keep calm is agreed with the doctor.

Diagnosis

Kissing disease can be suspected based on symptoms and physical examinations. The diagnosis of kissing disease is made by the doctor through a rapid test (Monospot). This test can show a negative result in the first weeks after infection. The doctor often also takes a blood test to confirm the result and to check your liver values. Liver inflammation is very common (in 90%) when you have kissing disease. The spleen is enlarged for approx. 50% of cases.

Advice for kissing sickness

• Avoid exertion and stay as calm as possible

• Make sure to drink plenty of water

• It is important to get nutrition. Nutritional drinks can be a good alternative when it hurts to swallow. There are both juice-based and milk-based nutritional drinks

• Avoid activities that may cause punches or kicks to the stomach for a couple of months after getting sick to avoid a ruptured spleen

• Avoid alcohol until your liver values are normal

• Do not kiss or share the glass/bottle with others

• Do not cough on others and ensure good hand hygiene

Treatment

There is no effective treatment or vaccine against kissing disease. Antibiotics have no effect against viruses. To relieve fever and pain, over-the-counter fever and pain relievers can be used. Avoid medicines with paracetamol (Paracet, Pinex, Paralen, Paracetduo) if you have elevated liver values. Medicines with ibuprofen (Ibux, Ibuprofen, Nurofen) can be used. These are available in the form of a mixture which can be a good alternative to regular tablets, if you have problems swallowing.