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hat is the "kissing disease"? Discover the surprising truth about infectious mononucleosis!
“Kissing disease,” or infectious mononucleosis, is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The disease is most common among teenagers and young adults and is spread through saliva, hence its well-known name. So, what is the mechanism of the "kissing disease" and what effects will it bring?
The causes of kissing disease
The main cause of kissing disease is infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is a type of human herpes virus that invades the body's immune system, especially B lymphocytes, after infection. Although EBV is widespread around the world, many people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives, though not necessarily with symptoms.
Most people may not experience any symptoms when exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, but when the infected person's immune system is unable to effectively fight the virus, the typical symptoms of the "kissing sickness" will appear.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of the kissing sickness include persistent tiredness, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. Many patients develop these symptoms within a few weeks of infection. Since these symptoms resemble those of a cold or flu, many people may ignore them. However, persistent sore throat and swollen lymph glands are often the key to diagnosis.
Diagnosing kissing disease usually requires a medical history interview and blood tests to confirm the presence of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Treatment and prevention
Currently there is no specific drug for kissing disease, and the treatment is mainly symptomatic treatment. Patients need to rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever. In particularly severe cases, patients may need medications such as steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation.
The best way to prevent "kissing disease" is to avoid close contact with infected people and try not to share eating utensils and drinks, especially during the season when infectious diseases are prevalent. In addition, maintaining good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can also help enhance the immune system's resistance.
Social and psychological impact
The prevalence of kissing disease can have a certain impact on social life, especially among teenagers. An infection can result in weeks of absence, affecting schoolwork and relationships. What’s more noteworthy is that the fatigue and anxiety caused by the symptoms sometimes persist for a long time, further affecting the patient’s mental health.
In many cases, patients may need to accept support from classmates or people around them to help them cope with the effects of the disease.
Deep Thinking
As we learn more about the "kissing disease," we can't help but wonder: In this rapidly changing era, how can we better pay attention to our own and others' health and adapt to the challenges that may arise?
