Mono

bump, anyone else?

(thanks Jamie )

Stacy- Here you go from WebMd

What Is Mononucleosis?


Mononucleosis, often referred to as 'mono,' is a very common viral illness. About 90% of people over 35 have been infected with it, probably during early childhood, and have antibodies to the virus in their blood.

When mono strikes young children, the illness is usually so mild that it passes as a common cold or the flu. When it occurs during adolescence or adulthood, however, the disease can be much more serious.

Mono comes on gradually. It begins with flu-like symptoms -- fever, headache and a general malaise and lethargy. After a few days, the lymph glands -- especially those in the neck, armpits and groin -- begin to swell, although this symptom is not noticeable in everyone. Swollen glands in the back of the neck are especially typical of mono. Most people develop a sore throat, which can be very severe, with inflamed tonsils. A fever -- usually no higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit -- also can develop and may last up to three weeks.

About 10% of people with mono develop a generalized red rash all over the body. Some people may notice red spots or darkened areas in the mouth that look like bruises. In about half of all cases, the spleen becomes enlarged, causing an area in the upper-left abdomen to become tender to the touch.

In 95% of cases, the illness affects the liver. However, only about 5% of individuals with mono develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an increase of the liver's bile protein in the blood.

In rare cases of mono, the liver fails. Other major complications that can develop from mono include rupturing of the spleen, low platelet count, swelling of the covering of the brain or spinal cord, and inflammation of the brain itself. But these, too, are extremely rare.

Most people who come down with mono feel much better within two or three weeks, although fatigue may last for two months or longer. Sometimes the disease lingers for a year or so, causing recurrent attacks that gradually become more mild.

In the past, research suggested that the virus causing mono might be linked to a persistent and debilitating form of an illness known as chronic fatigue syndrome, which can last for years. Most recent research has shown no such link, however, and the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown.

What Causes It?

Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, named after the two British researchers who first identified it in 1964, although the disease itself had been recognized many years earlier. A common member of the herpes family of viruses, Epstein-Barr is spread primarily through the exchange of saliva, which is why mono is sometimes known as the 'kissing disease.' However, coughing or other contact with infected saliva can also pass it from one person to another.

The mono virus can stay active in a person weeks or months after all overt symptoms are gone, so close contact with someone who shows no sign of the disease can still put a person at risk. On the other hand, not everyone who lives in proximity to an individual infected with mono comes down with the illness. Scientists believe that a healthy immune system may make it possible to fight off the infection successfully.

yes I had it at 18. It literally knocked my ass off my feet for months. I had glands the size of goose eggs, couldnt breathe, mouth so dry it bled, and then the meds they gave me caused a chicken pox like rash. I lost a ton of weight. It was gross.

My sister just had it recently (she is 18!) and she had to be admitted to the hospital. It's a very dangerous disease....the fatigue is unbelievable.

I had it twice and I was diagnosed both times by a blood test. I had a mild case of it both times, but I remember having a sore throat and feeling tired all the time!!! I must have slept 12 hours everyday (and I was still going to work). I know of other people who had it and were hospitalized because they were very sick. But a sore throat and extreme fatigue are two symptoms of mono.

I just read Swags info and I probably had a recurrance of mono, which explains why I had it twice, within a 15-month period.

Thanks ladies...I'll check it out. I certainly don't have some of the severe things that you guys did, just extreme exhaustion and VERY sore throat. The glands in my neck are also swollen.

Thanks again!!!!!!!

Hope you feel better soon!!!

I feel like poooooopie too. I think my head is going to explode any second

I had it when I was 17. I got strep throat in June (which was weird 'cause I never get sore throats). I was also kinda tired a lot but nothing too major. Then in September I got ANOTHER sore throat, swollen glands in my neck, and a swollen gland under my arm. I was also very tired.

I went to the doctor and they gave me ampicillin for strep. A few days later, I broke out in a red rash. So I went back to the doctor and they said most people who break out in a rash from that antibiotic have mono. So they tested me and sure enough, I had it.

I didn't have a lot of sore throat symptoms, but I was VERY tired and I think I was depressed, too. Although it was hard to tell the difference between the extreme fatigue and feeling down. I would sleep until noon, get up, and by 2 or 2:30 be tired enough to want to nap again! It was horrible. I was out of work for months. All my so-called friends deserted me because I couldn't go out for so long.

If you suspect mono, you should really go to the doctor and get a test. If you have mono and drink alcohol, you can damage your liver.

Feel better soon!!