{"id":80,"date":"2011-09-15T08:38:21","date_gmt":"2011-09-15T08:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.time-to-run.com\/doctor\/?p=80"},"modified":"2025-06-11T07:24:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T07:24:05","slug":"mononucleosis-upper-respiratory-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.time-to-run.com\/doctor\/infections\/mononucleosis.htm","title":{"rendered":"Mononucleosis – Upper Respiratory Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral disease that effects mostly young adults and children. Infectious mononucleosis, commonly called “mono”, is caused by the \"Mononucleosis\"<\/a>Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group. It has a major impact on athletes as it can produce severe fatigue as well as raise the chance of spleen rupture.<\/p>\n

Incubation is 4 to 6 weeks. The EBV is carried in the throat and is transmitted to another person via saliva. It has been called the kissing disease. Symptoms and signs: The EBV syndrome usually starts with a 3 to 5-day prodrome of headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and myalgias. Thereafter, from days 5 to 15 there is fever, swollen lymph glands, and a sore throat. By the end of 2nd week 50 to 70% of those infected with EBV will have an enlarged spleen, 10 to 20% will have jaundice, and 5 to 15% will have a skin rash, a pinkish flush to the cheeks, with puffy eyelids.<\/p>\n

Severe complications consist of ruptured spleen, meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, and anemia.<\/p>\n

Control and treatment:<\/span> Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Acetaminophen is often prescribed for headache, fever and malaise.<\/p>\n

Athletes may resume easy training after 3 weeks only if the following is adhered to:<\/p>\n