Beware the scourge known as mono

Fever? Sore throat? Fatigue? Poor appetite? Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck? In 10 percent of patients, a faint rash may appear early in the illness. About 50 percent have some enlargement of the spleen and another 10 percent have enlargement of the liver. Symptoms typically last between 2-3 weeks.

Transmission:

Once in the body, EBV exists in the secretions of the nose and mouth.

Transmission occurs through direct and occasionally indirect contact with an infected person. Activities like kissing and/or sharing eating utensils or drinking containers with a person infected with EBV will put a person at risk.

From the time of transmission, it takes 4-6 weeks for symptoms to appear. Roommates and close friends of someone injected with EBV seldom get the virus unless the above activities occur.

Diagnosis:

Lab tests are required to confirm an infectious mono diagnosis. If symptoms indicate the possibility of this infection, a medical provider may order the following: Complete Blood Count (CBC) - reveals if you have an increase in atypical lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Monoscreen - tests for presence of infectious mononucleosis antibodies in blood serum, or mono-spot, tests are free to students at Oberlin College. Sometimes symptoms, signs and blood count may indicate mono even though a positive monoscreen never appears. These mono indicators may not appear in lab tests until 7-10 days after symptoms first occur. So, if mono symptoms persist after initial negative lab results, your medical provider may want to order repeat lab tests.

Treatment:

Viruses do not respond to antibiotics and therefore such therapy is not prescribed. If a throat culture reveals a secondary bacterial infection, then an antibiotic like penicillin will be prescribed. This antibiotic will have no effect on the EBV.

Treatment for mono includes: bed rest, balanced diet, increased fluid intake, saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, aspirin or Tylenol. Some physical activity is o.k. Because 50 percent of mono patients have spleen enlargement, patients should avoid contact sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Although liver enlargement occurs in only 10 percemt of mono patients, most mono sufferers have abnormal liver functions for several weeks. For this reason, it is recommended that mono patients avoid alcohol consumption until symptoms resolve. Occasionally severe edema (swelling) of the tonsils and throat occurs. In this case, your medical provider will recommend appropriate treatment.

Prevention:

To prevent getting infected with EBV, avoid direct (i.e. kissing, sharing utensils) and indirect (i.e. being in proximity with an infected person). Maintain good health and help guard against getting infected by getting a good night's sleep every night, eating three, nutritious and well-balanced meals a day and exercising at least three times a week.

These measures will provide your immune system with the necessary tools to function at its best and keep you healthy. For more information, call student health services at 775-8180, or visit our web page: http://www.oberlin.edu/~health. Remember: All students are eligible for health care at Student Health Services.

NOTE: Oral HIV testing continues in the Wellness Center (Wilder 314). Free to anyone - campus and community. Confidential/Anonymous. No appointment needed. Monday, December 13, 6-8 p.m., x6577.

-Lori Morgan-Flood, Wellness Coordinator for Student Health