International Kissing Day 2018: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Of Kissing Disease

Kissing disease, formally called mononucleosis, is an infectious disease that spreads through saliva or close contact, such as kissing.

The infection can be contracted through other ways also like by sharing drinks or utensils. It is not a very serious illness, however, the symptoms are more severe than what you have during regular viral disease.

The most common cause of the infection is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and it typically occurs in teenagers and young adults. A child who is infected with EBV at an early age either carries it through his or her entire life unnoticed, or become immune to it.

Keri Peterson, an internist in New York City, who works with digital doctors appointment-booking platform Zocdoc, said, “Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can leave you feeling tired and weak for a few weeks, or even a couple of months,” adding, “Almost all adults have been infected with EBV by age 35 and have built up antibodies to fight the infection,” Self reported.

The signs and symptoms of the infection can last for a month or two and can be painful and bothersome. The most classic symptoms include fatigue, fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, dehydration and muscle weakness.

“The period of time between when you contract the infection and when you start to have symptoms is called the incubation period, and this typically lasts four to six weeks,” Peterson said.

The infection can also cause the spleen, a small organ above the stomach, to swell. “The spleen can enlarge up to 50 to 60 percent in people with mono,” Paterson said, adding, “You should seek medical help immediately if you have mono and experience a sharp, sudden pain in the upper left part of your abdomen.”

Health Line reported that young people between the ages of 15 and 30, students, medical interns, nurses, caregivers and anyone who regularly comes into close contact with large number of people are at higher risk of getting the infection.

According to a report in The Quint, the treatment procedure mainly focuses on easing the symptoms and it is not advisable to take antibiotics as it can cause fungal infections or secondary infections. Home treatments include gargling salt water, staying hydrated by drinking water and avoiding vigorous activities.

“Rest may keep you away from classes, work, team practices and social outings, but it’s important to take it easy for a while. Be patient with your body as it fights the infection,” Peterson said, stressing on the importance of getting a lot of rest.

A study by researchers at University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Nebraska revealed that the infection affects some patients severely than others and the reason for this is the way particular cells in their immune system react to the infection.

“These results suggest that an individual’s history of infection … may help to explain variations in human disease thought previously to be only due to genetic differences, the physiological condition of the patient, or the inoculation route and dose used,” the researchers said, Inverse reported.

July 6 is celebrated as International Kissing Day across the world.