Infectious Mononucleosis has been tagged the "kissing disease". When it is in reality caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which is a member of the herpesvirus family. The EBV virus which causes infectious mononucleosis can be found throughout the world. In most people by the time adulthood is reached this virus can be detected in the blood.
The are many illnesses that can mimic and fall under the spectrum of infectious mononucleosis and would cause similar symptoms and a rise in blood lymphocytes. Infectious mononucleosis most common can be spread by saliva or mucus.
One of the most noted symptoms of infectious mononucleosis is a sore throat; which of course can also be the symptom of many illnesses. So of course it can be hard to distinquish between the common cold. The list of symtoms that can occur with infectious mononucleosis would be tiredness or fatique, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and of course a fever. Infectious mononucleosis can also cause a swollen spleen and/or inflammation of the liver.
If Infectious mononucleosis is suspected of course a trip to the doctor and a blood test can quickly detect the illness. Early blood tests could reveal an increase in one type of white blood cell. But one can also rule out strep throat. The antibody tests, can also diagnose mono.This test relies on the bodies immune system and how it is making antibodies.
Normally the condition would resolve on it is on but some rare complications may occur. Infectious mononucleousis being caused a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics will not help. So treatment aimed at relieving the symptoms, usually involving lots of fluids and bed rest. Symptoms may exist up to a couple of months.