What are the warning signs of mononucleosis. How is mono transmitted. What are the complications of mono. How long does mono last. How can you prevent getting mono.

Understanding Mononucleosis: The “Kissing Disease”

Mononucleosis, commonly known as “mono,” is a viral infection that primarily affects teenagers and young adults. Often referred to as the “kissing disease,” mono is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), although other viruses can also trigger the condition. The infection spreads through saliva, earning its nickname due to transmission through kissing. However, sharing utensils, drinks, or even being in close proximity to an infected person’s cough or sneeze can also lead to infection.

Interestingly, not everyone infected with the virus develops full-blown mono. Many individuals, especially young children, may experience mild or no symptoms at all. However, for those who do develop symptomatic mono, the effects can be quite disruptive to daily life.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mononucleosis

Mono symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 weeks after infection, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact moment of transmission. The most common symptoms include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin
• Body aches and pains
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin rash

These symptoms may not all appear simultaneously, which can sometimes lead to a delayed diagnosis. It’s important to note that while anyone can contract mono, teenagers and young adults in their early 20s are most likely to experience noticeable symptoms.

Transmission and Contagious Period of Mono

The Epstein-Barr virus, responsible for most cases of mono, resides in the saliva of infected individuals. This makes activities involving saliva exchange particularly risky for transmission. But how long is mono contagious?

Mono can be contagious even before symptoms appear, as the virus may incubate for 4 to 7 weeks. Some studies suggest that individuals can remain contagious for up to 18 months after recovery. This extended period of potential transmission highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, especially among young adults in close social settings.

Diagnosing Mononucleosis: What to Expect

If you suspect you have mono, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination: Your doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and liver.
2. Medical history review: Including any previous instances of mono and current symptoms.
3. Blood tests: In some cases, tests may be ordered to check for:
   • Epstein-Barr antibodies
   • Unusual white blood cell activity
   • Changes in liver function

These steps are usually sufficient for diagnosis, though the blood tests provide definitive confirmation when necessary.

Treatment and Management of Mononucleosis

Unlike bacterial infections, mono doesn’t respond to antibiotics, and there are no specific antiviral drugs effective against it. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing process:

• Rest: Especially crucial in the early stages when symptoms are most severe.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps combat fatigue and supports overall health.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headaches, fever, and body aches. However, aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Throat relief: Gargling with salt water or consuming ice pops can soothe a sore throat.

With proper care and rest, most cases of mono improve within a few weeks. However, fatigue may persist for several months in some individuals.

How long does mono typically last?

The duration of mono can vary from person to person. While most symptoms improve within 2-4 weeks, fatigue can linger for several months. Full recovery may take up to 6 months in some cases. It’s important to listen to your body and gradually return to normal activities as you feel able.

Preventing Mono: Challenges and Best Practices

Preventing mono can be challenging, given that about 95% of adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus by adulthood. However, you can reduce your risk of infection by:

• Avoiding kissing or intimate contact with someone who has mono
• Not sharing personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, or drinking glasses
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for mono. The ubiquity of the Epstein-Barr virus makes complete avoidance difficult, emphasizing the importance of symptom awareness and prompt medical attention when needed.

Potential Complications of Mononucleosis

While most cases of mono resolve without significant issues, certain complications can arise:

• Enlarged spleen: This increases the risk of splenic rupture, which can cause internal bleeding and require emergency surgery.
• Liver inflammation: May lead to jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Blood clotting issues
• Nervous system infections: Such as meningitis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells.
• Severe tonsil swelling: In rare cases, this can obstruct breathing.

Due to these potential complications, especially the risk of splenic rupture, doctors typically advise against participating in contact sports or vigorous physical activities for at least a month after symptoms subside.

What precautions should be taken during mono recovery?

During recovery from mono, it’s crucial to:
1. Avoid contact sports and strenuous activities to prevent splenic rupture.
2. Get plenty of rest to support your immune system.
3. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
4. Avoid alcohol, which can stress the liver.
5. Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor recovery.

Long-Term Outlook and Recurrence of Mono

For most individuals, a single bout of mono provides lifelong immunity against future EBV-induced mono infections. However, it’s important to note that other viruses can cause mono-like illnesses, so similar symptoms in the future should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The long-term outlook for most mono patients is positive. While the acute phase can be challenging, complete recovery is the norm. Some individuals may experience prolonged fatigue, but this typically resolves over time.

Can mono recur or become chronic?

True recurrence of mono caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is rare. Once you’ve had EBV-induced mono, you generally develop immunity. However, similar symptoms can occur due to other viruses or conditions. In rare cases, EBV can reactivate, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. If you experience recurring mono-like symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Understanding mono and its impacts can help individuals recognize symptoms early, seek appropriate care, and take necessary precautions to prevent complications and transmission. While the “kissing disease” may be a common rite of passage for many young adults, awareness and proper management can significantly reduce its impact on daily life and long-term health.

Warning Signs You Could Have Mono

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on February 22, 2023

Mononucleosis, or “mono,” is a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms that usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you get it. It’s sometimes called the “kissing disease” because the virus often spreads through smooches.

The most common culprit is the Epstein-Barr virus. But other viruses also can give you  mononucleosis. Just because you get the virus doesn’t mean it will turn into a full-blown case of mono. Many people who are infected, especially small kids, have very few, if any, symptoms.

You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.

Anyone can get mono. But teens and people in their early 20s are most likely to have symptoms serious enough to notice. By then, even if you haven’t felt sick, you almost surely already caught the Epstein-Barr virus. If so, you probably won’t get mono again.

The virus lives in the spit of someone who has mono. So you can catch it from kissing them, or sharing cups, spoons, and other items. Mono doesn’t spread as easily as the common cold, but you could get it through a cough or sneeze if you’re nearby. Other bodily fluids, like blood and semen, may also pass it on.

When you’re sick, for sure. But you also can give mono to someone even before you know you have it. That’s because the virus may incubate for 4 to 7 weeks before you notice any signs. Even then, you may not recognize it as mono because your symptoms may not all happen at once. Some studies show you can pass on the virus for as long as 18 months after you recover. 

Tell your doctor about all your symptoms and if you’ve had mono before. They’ll examine you, possibly checking your lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and liver for swelling. This is usually enough to diagnose it, though in some cases you might need a blood test for Epstein-Barr antibodies, unusual white blood cell activity, or changes in the way your liver works.

Neither antibiotics (which fight bacteria) nor antiviral drugs work against mono. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headache, fever, and body aches, but there are no medications that can cure or even shorten your bout of illness. Never give aspirin to a child sick from mono or any other virus because it can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome that can damage the liver. 

It’s important to rest, especially early on, when you feel the worst. That may help prevent complications and keep you from feeling sicker. Drink lots of water and other liquids to keep your body hydrated. Ice pops and other icy foods can relieve your sore throat, and it can help to gargle with saltwater solution several times a day. With plenty of rest and fluids, most cases aren’t serious and get better within a few weeks.

There’s no vaccine for mono. If someone you know has it, don’t lock lips with them! To be really safe, wait several days after the person no longer has symptoms, especially fever. Wash your hands regularly, and avoid sharing food, drinks, and personal items like toothbrushes. There’s not much else you can do to stop yourself from getting the virus. That’s why 95% of Americans have it in their system by the time they’re adults.

One possible symptom of mono is an enlarged spleen. This makes it easier to break open, causing pain and bleeding inside your body that could require emergency surgery. So stay away from contact sports like football and vigorous activities like weightlifting, tumbling, or roughhousing with friends. Doctors usually recommend you wait at least a month after symptoms are gone.

Mono can inflame your liver and cause jaundice that yellows your skin and the whites of your eyes. Less often, it can inflame the heart muscle (myocarditis), cause clotting problems, infect the nervous system (meningitis, Guillain-Barre), and make your red blood cells drop (anemia). Sometimes, tonsils can get so swollen that they make it hard to breathe. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) oneinchpunch / Getty Images

2) James Cavallini / Science Source

3) Fizkes / Getty Images

4) Stockbyte / Getty Images

5) Jupiterimages / Getty Images

6) grublee / Getty Images

7) Photoalto RF / Eric Audras / Medical Images

8) GIPhotoStock / Science Source

9) emeliemaria / Getty Images

10) milicad / Getty Images

11) PRImageFactory / Getty Images

12) Garry Watson / Science Source

SOURCES:

CDC: “About Infectious Mononucleosis.”

Mayo Clinic: “Mononucleosis.”

The Cleveland Clinic: “Mononucleosis.”

The Nemours Foundation: “Mononucleosis,” “How Long Is Mono Contagious?”

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Mononucleosis (Infectious): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

The virus easily passes from person to person (contagious) when someone comes in contact with an infected person’s saliva. It can be spread by kissing (this is why some people call it “the kissing disease.”) Children can get mono by sharing things such as cups, straws, toothbrushes or toys that have may have the drool of an infected person on it.

Mono can occur at any age. Most people are infected with the virus at some time in their lives and may not get sick. The virus hides out until the person is run down. This explains why mono is more common in high school and college students. Once a person has had mono, he or she usually does not get it again.

Signs and Symptoms

Children and teens can have the virus for 4 to 7 weeks before symptoms show up. The most common are:

• Extreme tiredness
• Fever
• Sore throat with or without white patches at the back of the throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes or swollen glands (neck, armpits, groin) (Picture 1)
• Sore muscles and stiffness
• Enlarged liver or spleen (The spleen is an organ that filters the blood and makes antibodies to fight infection. )

Less common symptoms are puffy eyes, nausea, severe headache, sensitivity to light, chest pain and trouble breathing. A child who has been treated recently with ampicillin or amoxicillin may have a pink rash all over the body.

Young children typically have milder symptoms, such as a slight fever, tiredness and poor appetite. Teens may have more symptoms and feel so tired and weak that they will stay in bed longer than a week.

Diagnosis

The doctor diagnoses mono by health history, physical exam and blood tests. Blood tests show antibodies against the virus. The tests will also show an abnormally high number of white blood cells that fight viral infections.

Treatment

Because a virus causes mono, antibiotics (such as penicillin) will not help unless the child has another infection caused by bacteria. Mono symptoms usually go away on their own after a few weeks.
The best treatment is getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of liquids and eating healthy.

• You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®) for sore throat, muscle aches or fever. Do not give aspirin (Picture 2). Giving aspirin can lead to Reye syndrome, a very serious illness.
• If tonsils or lymph nodes in the neck are very enlarged and cause trouble breathing, the doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine.
• People who have mono should not do contact sports or vigorous exercise until the doctor says it is okay. Even playful wrestling at home could harm the enlarged spleen.
• Avoid heavy lifting, rough or active play for one month after recovery.

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent mono. The best way to prevent mono is to stay away from people who are infected. Avoid kissing anyone with mono or sharing drinks, foods or personal items like toothbrushes. Wash hands well and often. Wash dishes and eating tools separately in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher. The virus can stay in the saliva of an infected person for many months, even after he is well.

When to Call the Doctor

Most children who get mono get well without any problems. In rare cases, complications can happen. Call your child’s doctor if any of these things occurs:

• Sudden, sharp pains in the upper left abdomen (tummy) that last more than 5 minutes. Call 911 or the doctor right away. This could mean a serious problem with the spleen.
• Any trouble breathing, swallowing or eating
• Less than usual urine output, along with dehydration (getting “dried out”)
• Very drowsy, restless or does not respond
• Any other symptoms that get worse or do not go away

Mononucleosis (Infectious) (PDF)

HH-I-242 11/04 Revised 3/18 Copyright 2004, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

How to find out if there are loans: how to check for loans online

In this article:

• •

  How to check if a person has a loan?

• •

  How to check for debts online?

• •

  Check where and how many of your stories are stored

  •

  Contacting the bank

• •

  Check with bailiffs

• •

  How to find out if another person has a debt?

• •

  What should I do if I have received a loan?

Now a loan in Russia can be obtained remotely, even copies of documents are not always required. This is actively used by scammers. They receive personal data in various ways – most often posted in open sources – and take loans, the presence of which you may not be aware of for a long time. Over the past couple of years, such cases have become more frequent: only in 2019–2020, the number of fraudulent loans increased by almost 1.5 times. A person can find out that he has a debt only when collectors start calling him with threats or banks refuse loans without objective reasons. We tell you how to find out if you have unrecorded debts, how much you owe banks and how to fix it.

How to check if a person has a loan?

• •

  When you are denied a loan despite having a stable official income and not having any debts. Most often, banks do not report the reason for the refusal, but you can check with a specialist and then check it in your credit history. Perhaps there will be found debt and delinquency on loans that you did not apply for.

• •

  If you or your relatives receive a call demanding payment of a debt that you are hearing about for the first time. In this case, we advise you to immediately find out to whom and how much money you owe and immediately contact this bank or MFI to verify the information.

• •

  When you receive letters with pre-trial demands to pay off a debt from a creditor. In this case, you already know how much you are charged, including penalties and fines. But solving the problem will be more difficult.

• •

  The most critical situation is when a person learns about the existence of a debt from bailiffs, after which they block all accounts and write off the amount of debt from them. In this case, the money will have to be returned through the court, which can take a lot of time and effort. Read more about how to act in such a situation below.

• •

  If you are a victim of phone scams or leave your details on a phishing site, the debt will be displayed in your online bank. There you can also find out when and how much money you allegedly received and the amount of accrued interest. Looking ahead, let’s say that in such a situation it will be most difficult to prove your innocence.

How to check for debts online?

Even if you have not received any calls or messages, we recommend that you regularly check for debts. Here’s how.

Check where and how many of your histories are stored

First, find out which of the credit reference bureaus (CBR) stores yours. This can be done in the Central Bank’s Central Bank Credit History Catalog. The easiest way to send a request is through the State Services portal.

To do this, follow the instructions:

1. Select “Other” in the menu

2. In the “TAX FINANCE” section select “Credit Bureau Information” “, check the correctness of your data and “Send a request”

The Bank of Russia will generate and send the information to your personal account. The service will be provided within a day.

If this method is not suitable, contact the CCCH directly – on the website of the Central Bank. In this case, you will need a special code of the credit history subject, which can be obtained from any bank or MFI where you applied for loans. Often it is indicated in the loan agreement.

Request to the BCI

After you find out where the credit history is stored, you can send a request to any of the BCIs directly or to several at once. This can be done through the website, in your personal account, in the office, by regular or e-mail. You can request a credit report for free twice a year. Starting from the third request, this service will be paid. You can also first contact the BKI and ask him to send a request to the CCCH. This service is paid.

In your credit history, you will see when, where and how many loans you took out, the amount of debt, delinquencies and outstanding loans. Banks also check this information before applying for a loan. Therefore, it is important that there are no unnecessary debts and delinquencies in your credit history that you did not allow. If you see suspicious records that are not true, contact these banks and MFIs.

Contacting a bank

Some banks provide a credit history inquiry service for their customers. You can use it by filling out an application on the website or in the application. As a rule, these services are paid, and the conditions depend on the bank. You can also contact any bank or MFI to send a request to the CCCH and send you the result.

Check with bailiffs

This can be done if a court decision has already been made on your debt. Collection is handled by the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP). you need to go to its website, go to the “Checks” section, select the desired region, and then enter your first and last name. You will see information about court proceedings that are open to you.

How can I find out if another person has a debt?

This can be done in two ways:

• •

  Through the FSSP website by entering the details of the person you need.

• •

  By presenting a notarized power of attorney on behalf of this person. Otherwise, banks, the Central Bank and the Financial Institution of Credit have every right to refuse you.

What should I do if I have received a loan?

• •

  Do not panic or be persuaded to pay off your debt. Even if you are threatened by collectors, explain that you do not know about the existence of a loan and did not apply for it. Specify all the information: the number and date of signing the agreement (better ask for a copy), the name of the creditor bank and the specific branch, how much you currently have.

• •

  Check your credit history. If everything is confirmed, print the statement. At the same time, check if there are any other debts that you do not know about yet.

• •

  If the loan was issued for a lost or stolen passport, report the loss and fraud to the police (insist that this case be opened too). Make sure that your appeal is registered and save the ticket with the number. If possible, immediately find out who will be handling your case and write down the phone number.

• •

  Submit an application for a replacement to the passport office (this can be done online, through the State Services) and attach a ticket from the police with the appeal number to it.

• •

  Contact all banks or MFIs where loans are found and demand that the agreements be cancelled. Get a document stating that your application was accepted. Often, banks themselves offer assistance in an investigation: they provide camera recordings, conduct a conversation with employees who have drawn up an agreement, transfer all data to the police, and connect their own security service.

• •

  Sometimes this is enough – the bank conducts an internal investigation, cancels the debt and invalidates the contract, after which the fraud case is closed. But sometimes the bank may not agree with your arguments, and then you will have to involve a lawyer and prove your case in court. In this case, you will need any evidence that you were in a different place on the day the contract was signed. Well, if there are witnesses who can confirm this. Also, recordings from cameras – the bank itself or street cameras – will come to the rescue, especially if they have a face recognition system. Parking receipts and card transactions, a sample of your signature and a graphologist’s conclusion will come in handy. Try to find other victims and file a class action lawsuit about fraud.

• •

  If the scammers themselves found out your personal and payment data and transferred money from your account to theirs, you need to sue the banks in which these accounts are opened. So you can find out the data of scammers. However, in this case, it will be most difficult to prove your case, because you yourself provided all the information and the money was credited to your account. Therefore, for the bank, everything looks as if you knew from the very beginning that you had a debt and transferred money to accomplices.

• •

  If there is already a court order to collect the debt, you need to clarify the number of the court proceedings, as we described above, and file a counterclaim to cancel the order. This can be done on the website of the court that issued the decision, or by mail.

How to find out if there is a will

The question of how to find out if there is a will arises due to the fact that the principle of the secrecy of a will is established by law. In accordance with it, none of the persons who participated in its execution have the right to disclose either its text, or even the fact that the citizen officially executed the will. The testator himself has the right to keep his decision secret. At the same time, after the death of a person, if he left a written order, it has priority in relation to inheritance by law. That is, if a citizen left an expression of will in the event of death, his property will be distributed in accordance with the will of the deceased. And only if such a document is absent or it does not cover all the property of the testator, the rules of inheritance by law apply. Thus, each potential heir is interested in finding out if the testator has a will.

How to find out if there is a will, during the life of the testator

Information about whether a particular citizen left an official declaration of will is available to him, the notary who certified the notarial document, and other people who participated in the execution. Among such people:

● translator, if the order was not drawn up in the language of notarial office work, and the notary did not speak the client’s language;

● Witnesses, if invited by the testator. In addition, witnesses must be present at the execution of a closed order, however, in this case, they only know that there is an expression of will, they have no information about its content;

● the person who signed the document instead of the testator – in some situations this is allowed, for example, if he himself, due to a physical illness, cannot sign the paper;

● executor, if any.

Whoever was present at the execution, he has no right to disclose information either about the fact that the document was drawn up, or even more so about what is written in it. Therefore, trying to find out from them whether there is a will is pointless.

During the life of a person, only he himself can decide to disclose the fact of drawing up a declaration of will and what is provided for in it. Therefore, the only option during the lifetime of a citizen to find out if he has a will and what is written in it is to ask him himself. It is important to remember that the testator has the right to evade the answer.

It is also important to remember that even if a citizen has told about the existence and content of his decision, this does not deprive him of the opportunity at any time to change his will, write a new order or cancel an existing one.

How to find out if there is a will when the testator died

If the testator has died, it becomes fundamentally important to establish whether his will was drawn up: if it exists, it is necessary to find it in order to properly fulfill the will of the deceased.

Try to find out if there is a will, close and relatives of a person can. You can start the search with personal items – perhaps among them are papers confirming the presence of a posthumous declaration of will, for example:

● its second notarial copy kept by the testator;

● certificate of closed disposal, which was issued by a notary after its acceptance.

In some cases it is reasonable to ask a trustee who may be the deceased’s executor.

This search option is not the most reliable option because:

● if nothing was found in the things of the deceased, this does not mean that there is no order;

● If it is found, it does not mean that it is a valid document: he could cancel or change it.

The most reliable way to find out if there is a will is to contact a notary office: the notary who certifies the will enters the document into a special electronic register. Only notaries have the opportunity to access this register, information from it is not in the public domain and cannot be, given the rule on the secrecy of a will.

After the death of a person, his potential heir applies to the notary office at the place of the last residence of the deceased. Having received information about the death of the testator, the notary opens an inheritance file. Having opened it, he, using the electronic registry, will find a posthumous order, if one has been left. Further, if there is any, the property of the deceased, his property rights and obligations will be distributed in the order specified in the text.

If a will was not made, then inheritance occurs by law.

Even after the death of a person, information about his last will is not made public. The heir applies to the notary’s office with a statement about the opening of the inheritance case. Having received an application and a death certificate of the testator – documentary confirmation of the fact of death – the notary opens an inheritance file and searches for a will using the Unified Notary Information System – UIS.

After opening an inheritance case in a particular notary’s office, each heir applies there with an application for entry into the inheritance.

If the heir does not know whether the inheritance case is already open or not, and if it is open, then where, he can establish this using another electronic service at: https://notariat.ru/ru-ru/help/probate-cases/ .