WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Mononucleosis (mon-o-nu-klee-O-sis) is a viral infection
that affects your lungs, liver, and lymphatic (lim-FA-tik)
system or tissue fluids. The virus, known as Epstein-Barr,
usually affects people between the ages of 12 and 40
years. It can take from 10 days to 6 months to recover
from mononucleosis. You may continue to feel tired for 3 to 6
weeks after your condition improves.
Causes
The virus is spread mainly by saliva and you can get it
by close contact, such as kissing. You are more likely to catch
the virus if you are tired, under stress, or have another
illness.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, sore
throat, swollen glands, headaches, body aches, fatigue, loss of
appetite, swollen liver, swollen spleen, and occasionally
yellow skin and eyes.
Care
There is no specific cure. Eating
healthy foods and getting extra rest are important. Drink
plenty of water or juice every day. While you still have this
infection, remember to keep away from those who are most likely
to catch it from you: infants and people who are already
ill.
Risks
Without the proper care, you risk
the loss of excessive amounts of body fluids and salts. You
also may not get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
There is a slight chance that your spleen will rupture. Rarely,
the heart, lungs, or brain and nervous system become affected.
Deaths have occurred.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Anyone under 18 years of age should avoid taking
aspirin or any medicines that contain aspirin. This could
lead to brain and liver damage (Reye's syndrome). Be sure
to read the label on any over-the-counter medicines you
buy. For fever and pain, take acetaminophen
instead.
-
Gargling may help relieve your sore throat. Use warm
salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) or
double-strength tea. Sucking on hard candy also
helps.
-
Rest until your temperature returns to normal (98.6 F
or 37 C). Get plenty of sleep. You may gradually resume
your regular activity after your fever is gone, but be sure
to rest when you are tired.
-
Although you may not feel like eating while you are
ill, try to eat a balanced diet. Drink at least 8 glasses
of fluids each day, especially while you have a
fever.
-
Avoid physical activity such as heavy lifting,
strenuous exercise, or sports for 4 to 5 weeks. Such
activity may injure your spleen.
-
Don't try to push yourself too hard. Most people
recover in 2 to 4 weeks, but you may continue to feel tired
for 3 to 6 weeks after the other symptoms are
gone.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
Your fever isn't gone in a few
days.
-
You still have symptoms after several
weeks.
-
You have yellowing of the skin.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have severe pain in your abdomen or
shoulder.
-
You have trouble swallowing or
breathing.
-
You feel dizzy or confused.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
CT Scan: Also called a ""CAT'' scan. This is an
x-ray using a computer. It will be used to take pictures of
your liver and spleen.
-
Abdominal Ultrasound: This painless test is done
while you are lying down. A dab of a jelly-like lotion is
placed on your stomach. The person doing the test will
gently move a small handle through the lotion and across
the skin. A TV-like screen attached to the handle shows
pictures of the internal organs. This study helps the
doctor examine your spleen and liver.
-
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart
shows the doctor how well they are handling the
illness.
-
Activity: Rest in bed as much as possible. Do not
get up by yourself if you are dizzy or
light-headed.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: While you are getting oxygen, you
may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is
placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a
machine that measures the oxygen in your
blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
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