What is the Kissing Disease? Symptoms and Treatment

Infectious mononucleosis or as it is known among the people, kissing disease is an infectious disease. In this article, you can find information about kissing disease.

What is Kissing Disease?

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as kissing disease, is an infection usually caused by Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Infectious mononucleosis is called the kissing disease because the infection is transmitted through saliva. Behaviors such as close contact, sharing the same glass, and sharing personal care products can also cause the spread of the virus called EBV.

Epstein Barr Virus is a member of the herpes virus family. EBV is one of the viruses that infects the largest number of people worldwide. Once EB enters the body, it remains inactive in the body. At some point in life, EBV can be reactivated. However, this activation usually does not cause any symptoms since the person develops antibodies against EBV after the first encounter. Young children may not show any noticeable symptoms during EBV disease and the infection clears up on its own. Adolescents and adults may also survive the infection without showing symptoms.

Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis appear approximately 4-8 weeks after EBV is introduced into the body. Common EBV symptoms in patients can be listed as follows:

• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Swelling of tonsils
• Soft, swollen spleen.

Sore throat in kissing sickness may be confused with a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection. A sore throat that does not go away despite the use of antibiotics is one of the conditions suggestive of fever mononucleosis. When antibiotics such as amoxicillin are started without considering infectious mononucleosis, rashes that occur in the body are also diagnostic for the disease. Symptoms of fever and sore throat usually resolve within a few weeks. However, it may take longer for symptoms such as fatigue, swelling of the lymph nodes, and enlarged spleen to disappear. Mononucleosis, some In some cases, it can lead to the development of serious complications. The first of these complications is enlargement of the spleen. The enlargement of the spleen can gradually increase and cause the spleen to rupture. Spleen rupture (rupture) causes a sudden onset of sharp pain in the upper left region of the abdomen. Spleen rupture is a condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. Another complication of kissing disease is impaired liver function. This disease may predispose to liver disorders such as liver inflammation (hepatitis) or jaundice. EBV disease can cause anemia by causing a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cell values. In addition, it may cause thrombocytopenia by causing a decrease in blood platelets (platelets) that allow blood to clot. A rare complication of mononucleosis is myocarditis, in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed. Kissing disease can also play a role in the development of diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, Guillain Barre Syndrome by affecting the nervous system. Finally, this disease can cause excessive swelling of the tonsils, preventing breathing. While taking the history, the patient is asked questions such as what his/her complaints are, how long they have been going on, and whether he/she has come into contact with someone with similar symptoms. During the examination, the patient's tonsils and throat are examined. It is checked whether there is swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck and armpit. Afterwards, the patient's abdomen is examined and it is checked whether there is a palpable enlargement in the spleen or liver. Additional tests may be needed to diagnose the disease. In this case, the first test usually resorted to is the antibody test. Antibodies are a protein produced by the immune system against harmful microorganisms that enter the body. With the antibody test, it is checked whether the patient has developed antibodies against EBV. The results of this test are usually available on the same day. However, the antibody test may not give a positive result in the early stages of the disease. For this reason, the stage of the disease should be considered when evaluating the results. The disease is evaluated with blood tests.

Ha There is no treatment for the causative agent. As with other viral infections, antibiotic therapy has no place in mononucleosis. Resting well, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a healthy diet are usually sufficient for the treatment of mononucleosis. Physician may prescribe painkillers for complaints such as sore throat and fever.

How Should Nutrition Be in Kissing Disease?

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease. As in other viral infections, some applications can be made in order to relieve the discomfort more quickly in kissing disease. The first of these is to rest well. After the symptoms of the disease have passed, heavy activities should not be done immediately, and exercises should be started gradually.

Consuming enough fluids helps to protect general health as well as getting rid of EBV disease. Although the daily fluid requirement varies according to many parameters such as age, gender, weather conditions, daily activity status, it is recommended to drink 8 glasses of water on average per day. Some foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be included in the diet. Some of these food types are as follows:

• Green leafy vegetables,
• Apple,
• Tomato,
• bell pepper,
• Olive oil,
• Coconut oil,
• Whole grain foods,
• Brown rice,
• Barley,
• Salmon,
• Green tea.

Foods to be avoided during kissing sickness are as follows:

• Sugar snacks,

Bread made of white flour, pasta,

White rice,

Snacks such as biscuits, crackers,

Fried meals,

Alcohol.

How Is Kissing Disease Transmitted?

Infectious mononucleosis is a saliva-transmitted disease. The virus in the throat of people with EBV can be transmitted by kissing, the shared use of personal care materials, as well as by coughing and sneezing of carriers. Because the virus has a long incubation period in the body, carriers may not be aware that they have the virus in their body.

Kiss The virus may continue to scatter around in the throat after infection, persisting for more than 3 months. People who are at risk for contracting the kissing disease can be counted as young people between the ages of 15-30, healthcare workers, care center workers and students. Sick individuals should not kiss healthy people and should not share their personal belongings with others. Frequent hand washing also helps prevent the spread of infection. EBV can remain contagious in the throat for some time after the disease has passed. For this reason, those who have kissing disease should continue the same hygiene rules even if the symptoms disappear.

Infectious mononucleosis is an infectious disease that usually causes mild symptoms and goes away by itself. However, in some cases, it can cause serious complications by affecting the spleen and liver functions. Mono disease is a contagious disease. If there are people around the patient, especially those with suppressed immune systems, transmission of the virus to these people may have more serious consequences. People diagnosed with mononucleosis should take a break from going to school or work or go by taking the necessary precautions. It is recommended that people who show symptoms of kissing disease apply to the nearest health center and have the necessary controls done.

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