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Mononucleosis, commonly known as the “kissing disease” due to the frequent epidemics that occur in American colleges, isn't a disease that is transmitted just like that.
As a matter of fact, the virus is also transmitted by way of saliva and so, just as with measles or a cold, kisses can be the culprit but most of all sneezes, close physical contact, crowded environments and, for this disease, stress, mineral deficiencies and an inefficient immune system are sure contributing causes.
One of the reasons why a person finds out that he has mononucleosis is the intense tiredness that often follows the infection. If this is not treated, the fatigue can even last for months. When a doctor is faced with an unmotivated case of asthenia, he must always investigate the possibility of a previous mononucleosis infection (a list of the necessary exams and a guide for their interpretation is given below).
General observations
The substances that prove extremely useful in the treatment of this form of virus are those that have a quick regulatory action on the viral infection (Manganese-Copper-Zinc, Selenium Vitamin C, homeopathic remedies for fever, Vitamin C, Blackcurrant Oil, Oscillococcinum) as well as remedies that can be used effectively during recovery to treat the resulting weariness and fatigue linked to this disease (Cellfood, Coenzyme Q10, Oximix, Inositol, Aleurone PF1, Arsenicum album; see instructions for use at end of page).
It's not a trifling illness because its course is comparable to that of a strong flu with fever or a strong pharyngitis, often associated with a significant swelling of lymph nodes (indication of a defense signal from the body), which often leads to worrisome diagnoses (increase in white blood cell count, fever and swelling of the lymph nodes are conditions present in some blood diseases) that are usually scaled down after a diagnostic test that specifies the viral cause of the disease (see end of article).
In many other cases, the infection progresses in an almost asymptomatic way, and a person finds himself with antibodies against a virus that he didn't realize he had overcome
A typical characteristic that is almost a confirmation of mononucleosis is the reaction to amoxicillin, an antibiotic that is often erroneously used to treat the symptoms.
Although it is widely known that antibiotics are not effective against viruses, many doctors and pediatricians are still convinced that fever and sore throat must be treated with antibiotics.
That particular antibiotic (one of the most widely used) causes a typical allergy-like reaction in mononucleosis patients that manifests itself in red, itchy patches on the face (and sometimes on the body) often requiring the use of antihistamines and cortisone (which further reduce the patient's immune capacity) to treat the reaction to the drug.
This is a temporary reaction: people who have this reaction do not remain allergic to that antibiotic, even though caution must always be used with these drugs for many other reasons.
Mononucleosis is prevented by reinforcing the immune system in every way possible. In this website we have often pointed out that antiviral prevention depends on a healthy diet as well as on an adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Therapy for Mononucleosis
Now that we have established that a complicated case of mononucleosis requires medical diagnosis, we can also say that in most cases the course of mononucleosis infections progresses in a “simple” way resembling a strong pharyngitis, and can be treated in a natural way and therefore manageable by anyone. As we have already stated, the use of antibiotics for this disease are not only useless, but potentially harmful.
Among the homeopathic remedies that can be used for fever and pharyngitis, we suggest Mercurius solubilis 9 CH, Belladonna and any dilution included between 5 CH and 30 CH, and Orthohistminum 9 CH. In case of very swollen tonsils, Hepar sulfur 30 CH can be used in place of Mercurius solubilis.
It is important to provide immediate support action with Manganese-Copper-Zinc or with Oximix 1+ and Copper-Gold-Silver. These two mixtures of minerals are essential for managing contagious viruses. Together with this therapy, the patient should take supplements of Vitamin C and Selenium.
Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Selenium and Vitamin C are important remedies that help our body to defend itself against potent viruses like Ebola and certainly against mononucleosis and flu. During the acute phase the treatment is the same as for the viral forms discussed under the headings Winter illnesses , Fever and Adenitis .
Usually a person is no longer contagious 5-7 days after the most apparent symptoms have ceased. In reality, the elimination of the virus by way of saliva is extremely variable, but this period is generally sufficient to resume school or office activities.
An issue that deserves attention is the possibility of splenomegaly (the enlargement of the spleen), the only important non- bacterial complication of mononucleosis.
In some cases the spleen does become enlarged and thus, until it returns to its original size, the patient must observe an active convalescence (he can go to the office or school in a cautionary way but may not run, jump, or practice sport due to the possible complications that could arise). In this case, the doctor who examines the patient can detect the enlargement, and in some cases it can be useful to verify its reduction by way of an ultrasound scan.
The importance of mononucleosis today
Why is mononucleosis so important today and why are so many people talking about it? The problem originates from the fact that this virus, the so-called Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a virus that establishes itself in the cells of the immune system after infection and remains there in a dormant state.
An immune system, rendered inefficient by stress, depression, nutritional deficiencies or an excessive use of medicines can favor its reactivation (in rather the same way as with the Hepatitis C virus and the Hepatitis B virus). As a matter of fact, the virus often gives rise to a form of liver sickness that improves when the immune system is restored to normal.
In many cases, however, because the infection is caused by a malfunction in the immune system, recovery is slow, delayed and the body is unable to restore its immune system. In these cases a severe asthenia develops and must be treated with nutritional, mineral and vitamin supplements.
In cases of chronic pathologies (fibromyalgia, rheumatic arthritis, autoimmune diseases) the mononucleosis virus is frequently found to be present in the body. It cannot be said in these cases that the virus is the cause, but often the unhealthy and despondent conditions that the immune system suffers are the same that subsequently favor the reaction or occurrence of inflammatory or degenerative pathologies.
A person who has mononucleosis should be able to recognize the warning signs. It is a viral form that should prompt a person to reflect upon his style of life. One doesn't need to become a "saint" or follow a rigid diet, but must simply realize that nutrition, physical exercise, and mineral supplement are aspects of life that must be taken to heart. It is a symbolic disease and it is important to give it the attention that it is due.
Immunological aspects
One of the greatest problems that arises is the correct analysis of the laboratory tests used to diagnose the disease.
Besides a full blood exam (which measures the white blood cell count and the percentage of monocytes, usually very high in the acute stage), the following examinations are useful:
- Monotest (shows recent mononucleosis, but often gives false negative responses).
- Anti EBV EA antibodies (early antigen), IgG as well as IgM. These are antibodies that are present in the first stages of mononucleosis (IgM) while the IgG can be found in the blood months later and does not signify that one has mononucleosis but simply that she has already had it. After a while these antibodies disappear.
- Anti EBV VCA antibodies (virus capsigen antigen) as well as IgG and IgM. These are antibodies that are present for several weeks after the infection and the IgM signal that the virus is active. When the IgM decrease and only the IgG remain, it means that the virus is completely overcome. The IgG's can be found in the blood years after the illness and don't signify that a person has mononucleosis but that she has already had it.
For the Anti EBNA antibodies refer to a specialist or personal physician.
Other suggested links
If you would like to read more on this subject, you can refer to two articles written in English: Epstein-Barr Virus and infectious mononucleosis and Infectious mononucleosis, taken from the Karolinska Institutet of Stockholm's list of diseases. Also see the article included in the Merck Manual: Infectious mononucleosis.
Doctor Attilio Speciani
Clinical Allergist and Immunologist
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