The Kissing Disease

Mononucleosis is a disease which is caused by a virus named Epstein Barr virus and produces flu like symptoms.

Causes

All the kids in their growing age generally suffer from this disease. It spreads very easily. It can spread by kissing, coughing and sneezing, i.e. any contact with the saliva of the infected person transfers it to others. That is why it is also known as Kissing disease.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms if small children get affected by this but older ones have symptoms.

Basically the symptoms are same as flu symptoms like fever, sore throat but if the symptoms also include swollen lymph nodes in the underarms, neck or groin then you need the doctor. Doctor would perform various blood tests to confirm the disease.

Some other symptoms could be headache, sore muscles, skin rash, abdominal pain or enlarged spleen or liver.

Recommendation

It is also recommended that children who had suffered from this disease should avoid playing games as the spleen gets enlarged as the symptom of this disease and it can easily rupture and make the condition more badly. So even if all the symptoms have gone one must take rest for at least a month.

Complications

By taking rest and drinking plenty of fluids, it gets rectified easily but in some cases things can go wrong. Several disorders like hemolytic anemia which can cause paralysis of face muscles. Some others could be inflammation of heart muscles and rupturing of the spleen. But this occurs very rarely.

Home Remedies

Taking plenty of rest is one of the most important remedy for mononucleosis. Garlic helps to fight viral infection so intake of garlic should be increased. There are different aromatherapy treatments that help in the treatment. If there is sore throat do gargling with hot water and salt added to it. Also drink hot liquids as this would also help in getting relief from the sore throat.

One should take a healthy diet to make the immune system strong which should include fresh green vegetables and fruits. Eat small meals rather than three main meals. Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the toxins. Avoid eating high fat food. Eat simple food.