Last Saturday, singer Anitta revealed that she was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus.
Known as mononucleosis or “kissing disease”, it infects nasopharyngeal cells and lymphocytes, which are defense cells, and then spreads throughout the body.
In an interview with CNN Radio the specialist at the Croce Clinic Vanessa Radonsky explained what the symptoms are.
“They are related to a viral condition, such as sore throat, cough, tiredness, lack of appetite and edema of the lymph nodes”, he said.
However, the doctor stressed that the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic, which contributes to transmission to other people.
“It is an extremely common virus in childhood, adolescence and young adults, due to contact with saliva, which is why it is called the kissing disease”, he said.
Transmission, however, is not restricted to kissing, and can happen with droplets of saliva, objects that contain saliva, such as changing cutlery and glass, as well as blood transfusion.
Vanessa pointed out that “it is usually a benign, self-limiting disease.”
She explained that there is recent scientific work that indicates a relationship with multiple sclerosis in “rare cases.”
“Mononucleosis does not cause multiple sclerosis, but it can trigger it in people who already have this genetic propensity.”
Treatment is against the symptoms, such as an anti-inflammatory for a sore throat.
*Produced by Isabel Campos
Source: CNN Brasil
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