Some varieties of herpes can cause dangerous chronic pathologies. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus can provoke mononucleosis in adults, also known as Filatova's disease, monocytic angina or glandular fever. The danger of this disease lies in the fact that sometimes it progresses for a long time in the body secretly, without significant symptoms.
Is mononucleosis contagious in adults?
Filatova's disease refers to pathologies that are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person. Ways of infection:
- air-drip;
- contact;
- domestic;
- vertical (from mother to child);
- albuminous (through the blood).
As a rule, people with properly functioning immunity are less susceptible to the disease in question.
From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of ailment, it can take quite a long time. The incubation period of mononucleosis in adults is variable, it is from 5 days to 1.5 months, depends on the resistance of the organism to infections. In addition, there may be an onset of a prodromal period, when the virus is already spreading with a current of lymph and blood, but typical symptoms are absent.
Signs of mononucleosis in adults
If the disease develops slowly, there are poorly expressed clinical manifestations:
- malaise;
- headache;
- subfebrile body temperature;
- fast fatiguability;
- reddening of the mucous membranes of the pharynx;
- coryza;
- hyperemia and enlargement of the tonsils;
- drowsiness.
In the case of an acute onset of the pathology, the symptoms are more specific:
- a sharp rise in body temperature to high values;
- chills;
- Stitching in the throat during swallowing and eating;
- aches in the joints;
- muscle soreness;
- intense headache;
- nausea;
- increased separation of sweat.
Further clinic of mononucleosis:
- inflammation of local lymph nodes;
- angina;
- intoxication of the body;
- trouble breathing with the nose;
- a nasal voice;
- decreased appetite;
- purulent coating on the mucous membranes of the pharynx.
After the height of the pathology, the stage of reconvalescence follows. It is characterized by an improvement in well-being, the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms and the normalization of body temperature. This period does not indicate a recovery, just at this stage the transition of mononucleosis in adults into a chronic form is possible.
Monocyte angina often flows wavy (relapses are replaced by remissions), which significantly complicates therapy.
How to treat mononucleosis in adults?
A special therapeutic scheme has not yet been developed, for each patient an individual treatment plan is selected. Given the viral nature of the disease, antibiotics for mononucleosis in adults are not prescribed, instead, the use of homeopathic and pharmacological drugs with immunostimulating action is recommended:
- Lymphomyositis ;
- Arbidol;
- Grogrinosine.
Additionally, symptomatic therapy is performed:
- antipyretic;
- antihistamines;
- local antiseptics (for gargling);
- anti-inflammatory.
In severe cases, corticosteroid hormones may be prescribed. With secondary bacterial infection, antimicrobials are required.
Consequences of mononucleosis in adults
Usually the considered disease is completely cured,
- streptococcal and staphylococcal throat infections;
- meningoencephalitis;
- infiltration of the lungs;
- obstruction of the bronchi;
- hypoxia;
- thrombocytopenia;
- hepatitis;
- rupture of the spleen .