Do you know the basic differences between “kissing disease” and streptococcal angina?

Infectious mononucleosis or “kissing disease” is a viral infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (90%) or, less commonly, the cytomegalovirus (10%). The symptoms are similar to those of bacterial streptococcal angina –fever, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the throat. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the differences in order to diagnose the disease correctly and start treatment in a timely manner.

In this blog, you can read all about mononucleosis – how it is transmitted, symptoms, and treatment.

What is and how is “kissing disease” transmitted? 

Mononucleosis is a viral infectious disease that mainly affects children and young adults. In childhood, Epstein-Barr virus infection often occurs without symptoms, while in adolescents, symptoms similar to streptococcal angina may occur, which often leads to incorrect treatment with antibiotics.

It is transmitted through saliva and requires direct and close contact, most commonly through kissing.However, you can also become infected through any contact with infected saliva – by drinking from the same glass as an infected person, sharing food and utensils, close contact and toys in communal settings (schools, kindergartens).

Symptoms of “kissing disease”

The incubation period of infectious mononucleosis (time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms) lasts two to six weeks. At the beginning, fatigue, unexplained malaise, and headache often occur, followed by the main symptoms – elevated body temperature for 1 to 3 weeks, sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, and possibly generalized lymph node enlargement. Such a course of the disease is more common in patients between the ages of 15 and 24.

A rash is a common occurrence in mononucleosis patients who have taken antibiotics (amoxicillin and ampicillin). The rash is transient and is a result of temporary hypersensitivity, not a true allergy to antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to make a timely diagnosis to avoid this unpleasant side effect.

How is the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis made? 

In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, the patient will have an increased white blood cell count, atypical lymphocytes, and elevated liver aminotransferase levels in laboratory tests. Two weeks after the onset of symptoms, the doctor may observe an enlargement of the liver and spleen during an abdominal examination.

A large number of patients have liver cell damage with an increase in transaminases (“liver enzymes”), which can be up to 10 times higher than the normal values. In most cases, the LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) level is also elevated.To confirm the disease definitively, antibodies against the virus need to be isolated from the blood.

Mononucleosis in Children

Mononukleoza je kod djece često s blago izraženim znakovima ili potpuno bez simptoma.

Mononucleosis in children often presents with mild symptoms or may be completely asymptomatic.

To ensure a faster recovery for your child, we recommend following these tips:

  • Although it’s challenging, limit your child’s physical activity. Let them spend most of their time lying down.
  •  Ensure that your child is well hydrated with water, tea, or unsweetened natural juices. 
  • Lower the body temperature and alleviate pain with the medication prescribed by the doctor (usually ibuprofen).
  •  In case of sudden worsening (dehydration, dizziness, abdominal pain), immediately contact the appropriate doctor or emergency services.

How to treat mononucleosis?

The treatment is symptomatic – lowering the body temperature, lozenges/spray for sore throat, ample hydration, rest, and a “liver-friendly diet.”

Rest is necessary to prevent rupture of the enlarged liver or spleen. A liver-friendly diet actually consists of normal, healthy food. It is important to avoid foods that burden the liver: fatty foods, dairy products, processed meats, baked goods, various snacks. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

The milk thistle plant and its main component, silymarin, have long been known for their ability to regenerate the damaged liver. Recent studies also show antiviral effects of silymarin, preventing the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus as the main cause of mononucleosis.

Our digestive system actually has difficulty utilizing milk thistle, which is why phytosomal extracts are better (simply put, milk thistle is enclosed within microscopic oil droplets).

Phytosomal form demonstrates better absorption and more efficient intracellular penetration compared to conventional extracts on the market. Due to its higher bioavailability, phytosomal milk thistle extract is effective even in smaller doses.

DAMASALIS has developed a product for the health of your liver, with a unique composition and a 7-in-1 action:

SILYSMART® contains a phytosomal form of milk thistle extract that our body can better utilize, resulting in a 7 times stronger absorption compared to conventional products on the market – it regenerates and protects the liver, cleanses the body from free radicals and toxins from medications, supports the liver and gallbladder in fat digestion, slows down the growth of tumor cells, protects against oxidative stress, reduces fatigue, and restores energy.

  • Reduced glutathione, the strongest antioxidant in our body, which further protects the liver from accumulated toxins 
  • Choline bitartrate promotes fat breakdown and supports liver function 
  • Vitamin E protects liver cells from oxidative stress

The liver doesn’t cause pain, but we cannot survive without it! Pay attention to the symptoms of an overloaded liver and take immediate action

1Rezultati proizvoda mogu se razlikovati od osobe do osobe i mogu se razlikovati od onih opisanih na stranici.

SOURCES:

  1. Féher J, Lengyel G. Silymarin in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases and primary liver cancer. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2012 Jan;13(1):210-7.
  2. www.researchgate.net/figure/Difference-between-phytosome-and-liposome-The-molecular-organization-of-phytosomes_fig1_230727931
  3. R Aller ,O Izaola,S Gómez,C Tafur,G González,E Berroa,N Mora, J M González,D A de Luis: Effect of silymarin plus vitamin E in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Aug;19(16):3118-24.
  4. Lu, Suli, et al. “Silymarin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Lymphoma Cells by Suppressing Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Pathway.” Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, vol. 18, no. 4, Nov. 2020, pp. 348+. Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A633152543/HRCA?u=anon~fe8b9b29&sid=googleScholar&xid=2d27ae4d. Accessed 28 Aug. 2022.

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