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 DEFINITION
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The mononucleosis is the sharp viral infection caused by the virus of Epstein-Barr, which is characterized by fever, pharyngitis, ganglions and increase of the size of the spleen. It affects children, adolescents and young adults.
It usually see in epidemics but sometimes there are isolated cases. It seems that route is contagious to salivate, therefore it has happened in calling it "an infectious mononucleos". In fact, his contagion is low.
The incubation period (without symptoms) usually lasts between 7 and 14 days.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Fever.
- Gullet inconveniences.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue.
- Asthenia.
- Muscular pains.
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DIAGNOSIS
Initially there are observed symptoms of the illness (fever, pain of head and of gullet) associated with inflammation of ganglions and, sometimes, of the spleen. Of variable form in every person morning sickness, yellow color appear in the skin, headache, tearful eyes, make difficult to breathe, palpitations and, sometimes, an exanthema in the skin, especially if the picture talks each other with penicillin (although the exanthema is not related generally to allergy to penicillin).
It is possible to realize a rapid analysis to verify the presence of the virus in the blood (serología), as well as pharyngeal smear to discard tonsillitis for streptococcus (often associated).
COURSE, PROGNOSIS AND COMPLICATIONS
It is a benign illness, which only in the rarest cases collaborates with complications of heart or of the brain. The most intense symptoms (fever, inflammation of ganglions and of spleen) can last approximately 10 days, but the weariness and the discomfort can last from 2 until 3 months. The isolation is unnecessary.
TREATMENT
A specific treatment does not exist against the virus.
I rest in bed at first and then 2 stays at home relax at least ó 3 weeks. Increase of the consumption of liquids, which is essential for the fever. It is recommended also ibuprofeno, Aspirin ® (except in children; to see Syndrome of Reye) or paracetamol for the fever and gargles with salt water for the gullet inconveniences. When partner should verify a tonsillitis for streptococcus, an antibiotic is added. If intense acute pain appears in the left top part of the abdomen, it must come urgently to his doctor, who will have to discard a possible break of spleen. If this is confirmed, the affected child must be taken control surgically to extirpate the spleen.
WHAT DOCTOR CAN TREAT ME?
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DEFINITION 
