Must Read! Dangerous Disease You Can Get Through Kissing.

Must Read! Dangerous Disease You Can Get Through Kissing.

Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called Kissing Disease.

The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.

However, mononucleosis isn’t as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.

SYMPTOMS;

Signs and symptoms of Kissing Disease may include:

-Fatigue

-Sore throat(perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn’t get better after treatment with antibiotics,

-Fever

-Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits.

-Swollen tonsils

-Headache

-Skin rash

-Soft, swollen spleen

CAUSES;

The most common cause of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses can also cause similar symptoms.

Although the symptoms of mononucleosis are uncomfortable, the infection resolves on its own without long-term effects.

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Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and have built up antibodies. Therefore, they’re immune and won’t get mononucleosis.

COMPLICATIONS;

The complications of Kissing disease(mononucleosis) can occasionally be serious.

-Enlarged spleen:

In extreme cases,your spleen may rupture,causing sharp pain,sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen. Seek attention immediately.

-Liver problems such as Hepatitis

Jaundice(yellowing of your skin and white parts of your eyes may occur).

-Anemia:

Decrease in red blood cells and in hemoglobin-an iron-rich protein in red blood cells.

-Thrombocytopenia:

low count of platelets,which are blood cells involved in clotting.

-Heart problems e.g Myocarditis(inflammation of the heart muscle).

-Meningitis,Encephalitis which are diseases of the nervous system.

-Swollen tonsils:

This can block the breathing airway.

PREVENTION;

Mononucleosis(Kissing Disease) is spread through saliva. If you’re infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has subsided — and even longer, if possible.

The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection.

No vaccine exists to prevent Kissing Disease (mononucleosis).

Dr Promise Okeke