Infectious mononucleosis is also called the glandular fever or kissing disease and the Epstein Barr virus is responsible for causing this condition. This virus belongs to the herpes family and the symptoms associated with this condition include malaise, sore throat and fever. Mononucleosis actually refers to increase in lymphocytes which are special kinds of white blood cells.

Many people are infected by EBV but in 95% of the cases antibodies against the EBV can be detected and these antibodies protect the body against the invading bacteria. Infectious mononucleosis is often diagnosed among adolescents along with young adults. In young children the disease is relatively less severe and tends to have symptoms similar to other illnesses.

Infectious mononucleosis tends to be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Saliva is primarily responsible for transmitting this condition. An infected person can also spread this condition by sneezing or coughing which may result in suspension of infected droplets of saliva. Sharing beverages and food from infected utensil or container may also result in transmission of this condition.

The incubation period of this condition is four to around six weeks. The initial symptoms associated with infectious mononucleosis are loss of appetite, malaise or lack of energy and chills. These symptoms tend to last for around one to approximately three days and are followed by other intense symptoms. These symptoms include fever, swelling of lymph nodes located in the neck region and severe sore throat. The fever may be around 102 to 104 F and many people also suffer from reddening of the throat.

In some cases the tonsils tend to get a whitish coating and the spleen may also become enlarged. In some cases of infectious mononucleosis patients may also get red splotchy rashes on the body and these rashes are similar to those experienced in measles. This condition can be detected through examination of the symptoms and also through blood tests. Specific tests like heterophile antibody test or monospot test can also confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment of infectious mononucleosis includes medicines to treat the symptoms. Like other viral conditions this illness tends to resolve on its own and antiviral medication is not effective. Strep throat in this condition can be treated with erythromycin or penicillin. Amoxicillin and ampicillin should not be taken as this can result in development of rash.

The fever along with body ache experienced in infectious mononucleosis can be treated with acetaminophen. Rest and sleep is also extremely important for recovering from this condition. The throat soreness tends to be worse in the first five to around seven days of the condition while the swelling of the glands tends to subside in the third week.

Cortisone medicines can be given to treat the swelling in the throat tissues. In some cases complications associated with mononucleosis that may occur include liver inflammation, hepatitis. Some other severe complications include red blood cell destruction, inflammation of heart muscle and brain. Those suffering from this condition should avoid contact sports during the initial phases as it can result in spleen rupture.