Ah, the loves of carnival! They almost always bring back good memories! But sometimes they can also bring some nuisances. One of them is infectious mononucleosis, also popularly known as “Kissing Disease”. The theme was once again on the agenda in the health news, not only because of Carnival, but also because of a recent episode involving the singer Annita, who admitted the diagnosis of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (human herpesvirus type 4), which causes infectious mononucleosis.
In the carnival period, when contact between revelers is more frequent, whether through kisses on the mouth, sharing drinks and intimate contacts, there may be a greater risk of transmission of the disease. To safely skip the revelry over the next few days, check out the tips given by infectologist Marília Dalva Turchi, who works at Órion Complex, Goiânia.
What is the “Kissing Disease”
Kissing disease is nothing more than the popular name given to infectious mononucleosis. The virus that causes mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr) was first identified in 1964 in fragments of a tumor (Burkitt’s Lymphoma) in a child from sub-Saharan Africa.
The main virus that causes the kissing disease or mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus. According to infectologist Marília Dalva Turchi, it “is transmitted mainly through contact with saliva, kisses or sharing drinks or contaminated objects taken to the mouth”.
symptoms and diagnosis
“The most common manifestations are: fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes (guts), fatigue and, eventually, reddish spots (rash) on the body”, says the infectologist.
She informs that the suspicion of the disease is based on the presence of signs and symptoms such as: fever, sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck. “However, other infectious diseases can present the same symptoms, in the first days of the illness. It is important to carry out a medical evaluation to correctly direct the investigation”, And clarifies that laboratory tests such as blood count and specific serological tests allow the diagnosis of the disease.
Streaming
Transmission of the mononucleosis virus is through saliva and contaminated objects. “The infection is transmitted mainly through saliva and oral secretions, by sharing glasses, among other objects and, potentially, by sexual contact”, however, mononucleosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, clarifies the specialist.
Dr. Marília explains that Epstein-Barr infection often occurs in childhood, usually asymptomatic, or with few symptoms. However, adolescents and adults, when infected, have more exuberant clinical manifestations with prolonged fever, enlarged lymph nodes, tiredness and spots on the body.
According to the infectologist, the disease lasts an average of 2 to 4 weeks. “The ganglia (guts) can remain enlarged for several weeks. Often, some changes in blood tests persist for a long time”, he specifies.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the ‘kissing disease’. Medications are usually indicated to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, such as analgesics and antipyretics for fever and sore throat. Antibiotics should not be taken, as they have no action against the virus and can cause a worsening of the condition, with an increase in the rash (spots on the body).
As the main form of transmission of the disease is saliva, the infectologist who works at Orion Complex gives some tips to avoid infection with the mononucleosis virus. “Reduce exposure to saliva, oral and respiratory secretions; avoid or reduce kissing; avoid sharing drinks and cups. And don’t forget to use a condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, herpes and HIV”, advises Dr. Marília.
