October 17th, 2013

October 17th, 2013
Good evening web friends! Today, I'm just going to jump right into our mono information. I will discuss demographics, contraction, and prognosis.

Demographics

Teenagers are more likely to contract mononucleosis than any other age group.

In the United States, mononucleosis is quite common in teenagers and young adults. Any age group can be affected, though 95% of Americans age 35-40 have been infected with mononucleosis. Both males and females are equally likely to contract mono. And, all races and ethnic groups also have an equal chance of contracting the disease.

Contraction

There are many ways you can contract mono. For example, if you eat form the same plate as a carrier with mono. Or, if you share spoons/forks, lip glosses and chap sticks, beverage glasses/bottles, instruments with mouth pieces, toothbrushes, etc. Sharing is good, but you hate to draw the line somewhere. 

Prognosis

Mononucleosis rarely causes serious complications. Fever usually goes away in about 10 days. If you're feeling sick longer than 4 months, go back to the doctor. To speed your recovery, make sure to get plenty of rest. Severe complications are unusual. One may be a ruptured spleen, which mostly occurs in males who return to contact sports too quickly. Airway obstruction is a possibility, but only occurs in 1 patient per 1,000. Anemia may also appear but only in 3%. Both often occur only in small children and can be treated with steroids. 

SO! Don't worry! Take it easy, and avoid sharing silverware, lip make-up, etc.

Later webbies!