Chronic Mononucleosis Information and Facts

Mononucleosis, or “kissing disease” as it is commonly known, is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and is usually a short lived, self limiting infection. Almost everyone has had this infection at some point of their lives, and many people develop it during childhood itself, when the symptoms tend to be rather mild. In adults however, mononucleosis can be more severe, and in a few rare cases, it may last for a long period of time. When mononucleosis lasts for more than six months, it is considered to be chronic.

Chronic mononucleosis is quite a severe condition, and requires prompt and aggressive medical treatment, combined with strict bed rest and additional self care measures. If the infection continues for too long, it can even affect the liver, resulting in hepatitis and jaundice. In rare cases, the infection can also cause the heart muscles to become inflamed. Usually however, the only symptoms of mononucleosis are fatigue, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Often, secondary infections also develop, such as strep throat – a sore throat is therefore quite a common symptom of mononucleosis. The presence of the infection for over six months also naturally results in some amount of weight loss, and this is a common sign of chronic mononucleosis.

Antibiotics are of course useless against any type of mononucleosis because it is a viral disease. However, antibiotics are often prescribed when treating mononucleosis because there is usually a secondary infection that is also at work. Along with this, your doctor will describe whether you need antiviral medication as well. In some cases, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed in order to reduce the severity of symptoms such as pain and fever. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed, but this treatment is only temporary, to reduce severe inflammation; regular use of corticosteroids is extremely harmful. Painkillers are also prescribed sometimes, but as with any other illness, should be avoided if possible.

Your main task, as far as caring for yourself, is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. For at least a week, it is advisable to stay in bed; once you feel a little better; you can gradually resume your daily activities. However, any heavy physical work should be avoided for at least a month. This could unnecessarily strain the body, and it could also result in the rupture of your spleen, which often gets inflamed during mononucleosis.