Aa
Is this mono?
I've been extraordinarily fatigued for the past few months and it just keeps getting worse. I don't have any other symptoms of classic mono - but I have gone to the Dr. for blood tests. I have an elevated Epstein-Barr level. Is mono the only thing this could be? The doc says it's "probably" mono, like they're not very confident. Fatigue is the only symptom I have. Should I see a different doctor?
Hi,
By mono I guess you refer to Infectious mononucleosis, more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries. It occurs most commonly in adolescents and young adults, where it is characterized by fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Infectious mononucleosis typically produces a mild illness in small children, and is often asymptomatic. Mononucleosis is predominantly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis predominantly consisting of atypical lymphocytes, a specific type of T-cell that gives the disease its name.
In small children, the course of the disease is frequently asymptomatic. Some adult patients suffer fever, tiredness, lassitude (abnormal fatigue), depression, lethargy, and chronic lymph node swelling, for months or years. This variant of mononucleosis has been referred to as chronic EBV syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), although CFS is a distinct condition from IM. Still, current studies suggest there is an association between infectious mononucleosis and CFS. In case of a weakening of the immune system, a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus is possible; in CFS there is evidence of immune activation also. "Chronic fatigue states" as defined by the CDC criteria for CFS, appear to occur in 10% of those who contract mononucleosis. Chronic fatigue may then be a rather common side effect of infectious mononucleosis.
A diagnosis of Mono can be established through examination and tests. Though, the EBV virus may remain dormant for some time and resurface at a later date. Please confirm this from a doctor though it is clear that the disease may be resurfacing of a previous infection.
You can get more information at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis
Best regards
By mono I guess you refer to Infectious mononucleosis, more commonly known as glandular fever in other English-speaking countries. It occurs most commonly in adolescents and young adults, where it is characterized by fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Infectious mononucleosis typically produces a mild illness in small children, and is often asymptomatic. Mononucleosis is predominantly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects B cells (B-lymphocytes), producing a reactive lymphocytosis predominantly consisting of atypical lymphocytes, a specific type of T-cell that gives the disease its name.
In small children, the course of the disease is frequently asymptomatic. Some adult patients suffer fever, tiredness, lassitude (abnormal fatigue), depression, lethargy, and chronic lymph node swelling, for months or years. This variant of mononucleosis has been referred to as chronic EBV syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), although CFS is a distinct condition from IM. Still, current studies suggest there is an association between infectious mononucleosis and CFS. In case of a weakening of the immune system, a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus is possible; in CFS there is evidence of immune activation also. "Chronic fatigue states" as defined by the CDC criteria for CFS, appear to occur in 10% of those who contract mononucleosis. Chronic fatigue may then be a rather common side effect of infectious mononucleosis.
A diagnosis of Mono can be established through examination and tests. Though, the EBV virus may remain dormant for some time and resurface at a later date. Please confirm this from a doctor though it is clear that the disease may be resurfacing of a previous infection.
You can get more information at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infectious_mononucleosis
Best regards
I just got over mono and was exhausted like you describe. My dr gave me the lab test results paper which showed the normals and what my results were. Like your dr., mine said "probably mono" and to drink fluids and rest. My dr had me scheduled to come back for repeat blood tests-- are you also scheduled for another blood test? After a month, my liver enzymes were back to normal and the Epstein Barr was back to normal.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.
