Infectious Mononucleosis Case Study

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Infectious Mononucleosis, which is often called Mono for short, is known as the kissing disease (Mayo Clinic, 2015). It gets this nickname because the virus that causes Mono is transmitted through saliva. This means that you can be exposed to the virus by kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drink utensils (Mayo Clinic, 2015). “However, EBV can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations” (“About Epstein-Barr Virus”, 2016). Since Infectious Mononucleosis spreads through saliva contact, adolescent and young adults are the most likely to get infected with Mono. This can be caused by sharing water fountains at school, sharing water bottles, using someone’s chap stick or lip balm, or even kissing. According to Mayo Clinic, “Mononucleosis isn’t as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold” (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Infectious Mononucleosis is caused by a virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, …show more content…
According to the textbook, Understanding Pathophysiology, “The incubation period for IM is approximately 30 to 50 days (Huether & McCance, 2012).” Complications of the IM include: Enlargement of spleen or liver issues. With the enlargement of the spleen, it can rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of the upper abdomen. This occurs mainly in males about 90% of the time (Huether & McCance, 2012). If this occurs, you need to seek medical attention immediately because of this physical exercise should be low and nonaggressive. Liver issues can include hepatitis, or mild liver inflammation, or jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (Mayo Clinic Staff,