Mononucleosis Stages, Symptoms and Causes Guide

Q: What is infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis is a specific type of mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is marked as a severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, high fever, and extreme fatigue. It primarily affects teenagers and young adults and is transmitted by saliva exchange.

Q: What causes mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. In some cases, it can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) or other infections like toxoplasmosis or acute HIV. The virus typically spreads through saliva, making close personal contact, kissing, or sharing drinks/utensils, which are common modes of transmission.

Q: What are the stages of infectious mononucleosis?

The stages of infectious mononucleosis are: Incubation Period: The virus multiplies silently, lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Symptoms are mild or absent. Prodromal Stage: Mild symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, and headache appear over 3 to 5 days. Acute Stage: Severe symptoms such as high fever, severe sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes dominate, lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Convalescent Stage: Symptoms gradually diminish over several weeks to months, though fatigue may persist.

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Mononucleosis - Stages, Symptoms and Causes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mononucleosis mean?

Mononucleosis, often called "mono," is an infectious illness characterised by an abnormally high number of mononuclear white blood cells in the bloodstream. It's most commonly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is sometimes called the "kissing disease" due to its primary mode of transmission through saliva.