Key Takeaways
- Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, affects approximately 45% of children by age 5 and up to 90% of adults worldwide by age 40 due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure
- In the United States, around 500,000 cases of symptomatic infectious mononucleosis are diagnosed each year among adolescents and young adults
- EBV, the primary cause of mono, infects over 90% of the global population by adulthood, with most infections asymptomatic
- Infectious mononucleosis has a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1 in adolescents
- Among US college students, 55% of mono cases occur in females aged 18-22
- Peak mono incidence in males is at 16-20 years, with 58 cases per 100,000, vs. females at 14-18 years with 52 per 100,000
- Pharyngitis pain affects 85% of mono patients, lasting average 7-10 days
- Exudative pharyngitis with tonsillar enlargement occurs in 70-80% of classic mono cases
- Severe fatigue is reported in 95% of symptomatic mono patients, persisting >1 month in 50%
- Splenic rupture occurs in 0.1-0.5% of mono cases, presenting with sudden severe abdominal pain
- Airway obstruction from tonsillar hypertrophy requires intubation in 0.2% of severe mono cases
- Hemolytic anemia develops in 1-3% of mono patients, often Coombs-positive
- Supportive care resolves 99% of mono cases without intervention
- Bed rest recommended until afebrile 3 days, reducing activity 4-6 weeks for spleen safety
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen controls fever/pain in 90% of mono patients effectively
Mono is an extremely common and often symptomless lifelong virus.
Complications
Complications Interpretation
Demographics
Demographics Interpretation
Epidemiology
Epidemiology Interpretation
Management and Outcomes
Management and Outcomes Interpretation
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms and Signs Interpretation
Sources & References
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