Most teenagers probably don't think that the consequences of a kiss can be a sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and fever. All are symptoms of infectious mononucleosis" ?commonly referred to as "the kissing disease."? The disease normally occurs in adolescents and young adults, and is common worldwide.

The Cause
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family of viruses and is one of the most common viruses among humans. By adulthood, most people have been infected with EBV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 95% of adults between the ages of 35 and 40 have been infected with EBV.

Transmission and Symptoms
EBV is transmitted by person-to-person contact via saliva. It may be transmitted from both healthy and sick individuals. The virus may be present for up to six weeks before causing symptoms. Therefore people are able to unknowingly spread the virus to others for weeks. Some healthy adults (carriers) may continuously transmit the virus to others.

When EBV infects children it usually does not cause symptoms, or the symptoms are very mild. However, when adolescents or young adults become infected, it can cause disease. The symptoms may be mild to severe. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there may be a loss of appetite, weakness, and nausea. In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by severe headache, muscle aches, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. If the infection becomes complicated, a swollen spleen or liver may also develop. There are also rare cases of problems with the heart and central nervous system.

EBV has also been shown to remain in the immune system in an inactive state (dormancy). Sometimes, the virus reactivates and can be found in the saliva. In these cases, carriers usually do not have symptoms. Dormant EBV has been associated with two forms of cancer: nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. These are very rare forms of cancer, and the causes are still unknown despite the association with dormant EBV.

Treatment
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually disappear within 4 to 8 weeks. The fever and sore through usually resolve within the first two weeks. Swollen lymph nodes and spleen may persist for much longer. Weakness and fatigue may also persist for longer.

Sometimes steroids are prescribed to help with swollen lymph nodes and tonsil. Since the disease is caused by a virus, it is not treated with antibiotics. Pain relievers are also sometimes prescribed to help with pain and soreness.

Prevention
There is no vaccine for infectious mononucleosis. Also, it is almost impossible to prevent because it can be transmitted from healthy people and people that have not yet developed symptoms.

EBV is one of the most common human viruses. It may be transmitted from people that are sick or healthy. When EBV infects children, it usually does not cause disease, but often causes disease in adolescents and young adults. To date there is no vaccine for the disease. Although the symptoms of the disease are usually not severe and resolve over time, it is recommended that people seek medical attention.

Leslie Ann Dauphin, Ph.D.

Dr. Leslie Ann Dauphin is a respected scientist, lecturer, author and columnist. She promotes complete wellness of mind, body and spirit. Currently, she works as a microbiologist for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. Her recent book, The Germ Handbook, teaches readers how to prevent, fight through and recover from infectious diseases including: colds, flu, pneumonia, strep throat, mononucleosis, diarrhea, and other illnesses. For more than 10 years, she has taught biological sciences. A sought after public speaker, she frequently conducts seminars and workshops.