Description An infectious viral...
Description
An infectious viral disease, most often caused by the Ebstein Barr virus. This disease occurs commonly in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and marked fatigue. Also known as "Mono". Some patients will also have an enlargement of their spleen. This splenic enlargement puts them at risk of life threatening splenic rupture with even minimal abdominal trauma.
Symptoms
Fever; sore throat; large tonsils; swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck; body aches; loss of appetite; enlarged spleen.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood testing includes: a CBC to detect abnormal white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes), a mono spot test and specific antibodies to Ebstein Barr virus.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Other Specific Tests: Mono spot
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood testing includes: a CBC to detect abnormal white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes), a mono spot test and specific antibodies to Ebstein Barr virus.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Other Specific Tests: Mono spot
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Most people recover within 2-6 weeks. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn or Aleve) and drinking plenty of fluids are the mainstay of treatment. There is no specific anti-viral treatment available. A short course of corticosteroids (prednisone) medication may be considered for patients with severe symptoms or a very large spleen. Patients are asked to avoid contact sports to prevent the spleen from rupturing.