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Infectious mononucleosis as a manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection occurs uncommonly in adults over age 40. While fever is almost universal, older patients with the disease often present without lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, splenomegaly, lymphocytosis or atypical lymphocytes.
Can a 70 year old get mono?
Adults never exposed to mono as children can suffer a much more severe case of it, with fever and fatigue that can last for several weeks to months. It usually occurs before the age of 25, but older adults also can get and transmit it.
What are the symptoms of mono in the elderly?
Symptoms extreme tiredness, or fatigue. a high fever. a headache. body aches and muscle weakness. a red, sore throat. swollen glands in the neck or underarms. an enlarged spleen. rash.
How long does mono last in older adults?
For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.
Why do adults not get mono?
Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and have built up antibodies. This means they’re immune and won’t get mononucleosis.
What does Mono feel like in adults?
You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.
Can a 60 yr old get mono?
Only 29 cases of infectious mononucleosis have been reported in adults more than 60 years old. The elderly with infectious mononucleosis had significantly fewer occurrences of pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly when compared with young adults.
What does mono fatigue feel like?
Mono symptom #1: exhaustion Fatigue is probably the most well-known symptom of mono. “It feels like your body is moving in slow motion,” says Shanna Levine, M.D., an internist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Can you get mono from stress?
Can mono come back with stress? Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, so it’s possible that this could be one trigger leading to a bout of recurrent mono.
Is dizziness a symptom of mono?
A number of infections can cause enlargement of the lymph nodes (“glands”) in the neck, including infectious mononucleosis. Fatigue and feeling dizzy or faint are also common symptoms that can accompany many illnesses, particularly if dehydration also occurs.
Can elderly people get glandular fever?
Glandular fever is becoming increasingly common and although it is known as the “kissing disease”, elderly people are just as susceptible to falling ill with the disease.
What should you not do when you have mono?
Don’t share your food, drinks, eating utensils, tooth brush, or any kind of lip product. Don’t kiss while you are sick (mono can spread through saliva) Don’t have sexual contact with someone who has mono.
How is mono diagnosed in adults?
One of the most reliable ways to diagnose mononucleosis is the monospot test (or heterophile test). This blood test looks for antibodies —these are proteins your immune system produces in response to harmful elements. However, it doesn’t look for EBV antibodies.
Is coughing a symptom of mono?
Rare Symptoms Small children with mono may just be a little irritable and have a decreased appetite. On the other hand, they may also have mild upper respiratory infection symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or mild fever.
How is mono treated in adults?
There’s no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don’t work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Does mono get worse at night?
The throat may be very red, with white spots or pus on the tonsils. This can initially look similar to strep throat. Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually worst during the first week and may worsen at night.
Does mono go away on its own?
Mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.
Can mono make your ears hurt?
Persistent Throat and Ear Pain Seasonal allergies, strep throat, and mononucleosis are more likely to come with throat and ear pain that does not go away until the conditions are treated.
What are the symptoms of Epstein Barr?
Symptoms fatigue. fever. inflamed throat. swollen lymph nodes in the neck. enlarged spleen. swollen liver. rash.
How do you get over mono fatigue?
Management and Treatment Rest: Mono makes you very tired. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ease fever, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches. Sore throat soothers: You can gargle with salt water and use throat lozenges.
Do you get headaches with mono?
The most common symptoms of mono include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, swollen lymph glands, and sore throat. The spleen may enlarge because of the virus.
Can mono make you short of breath?
Mono may cause breathing difficulties if your child’s throat is swollen and their airway is partially blocked. This could happen if there are enlarged tonsils, adenoids or other lymph tissue at the back of the throat.
Is insomnia a symptom of mono?
It’s common to sweat at night with a cold or the flu, especially if your fever breaks. However, sweating often and profusely at night could also be a sign of mono. It might also make sleeping difficult, worsening headaches and fatigue.
What other illness has the same symptoms as mono?
Beware: There are other diseases that can mimic mononucleosis: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) mononucleosis. Toxoplasma gondii infection. Acute retroviral syndrome due to HIV infection. HHV-6 (human herpes virus 6) Adenovirus infection. Primary infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. Strep pyogenes pharyngitis (“strep throat”).
Is depression a symptom of mono?
Mononucleosis infection was associated with a forty percent increased relative risk of subsequently developing depression.
What are the symptoms of chronic mono?
They can include: severe fatigue. fever. sore throat. headache. body aches. swollen lymph nodes in your neck. swollen tonsils.
