In simple words: Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.It spreads through saliva and is sometimes called the "kissing disease." Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and body aches.It's diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exam, and sometimes blood tests.Mono usually resolves on its own with rest and supportive care.

Gammaherpesviral mononucleosis is a clinically diagnosed condition characterized by an increase in mononuclear white blood cells and swollen lymph nodes, typically caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).It is often manifested by fever, sore throat with exudative pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Other symptoms can include fatigue, myalgia, nausea, headache, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, enlarged spleen and liver, and rash.Diagnostic studies may include CBC, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), throat cultures, heterophile antibody tests (Monospot test, Paul-Bunnell test), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Example 1: A 16-year-old patient presents with fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Blood tests reveal an elevated white blood cell count with atypical lymphocytes, and a Monospot test is positive, confirming the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis., A 22-year-old college student experiences prolonged fatigue, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.Physical examination reveals enlarged tonsils and cervical lymphadenopathy.After a positive heterophile antibody test, the physician diagnoses infectious mononucleosis and advises rest and hydration., A child presents with a mild fever, lethargy, and a slightly enlarged spleen.Initial blood tests are inconclusive.The physician suspects infectious mononucleosis and orders an EBV PCR test, which confirms the diagnosis.The child is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity.

Documentation for infectious mononucleosis should include the patient's presenting symptoms (e.g., fatigue, fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy), findings from the physical examination (e.g., enlarged tonsils, swollen glands), and results of laboratory tests (e.g., CBC, ESR, Monospot test, EBV PCR).If steroids are prescribed, the reason for their use (e.g., airway obstruction) should be documented.

** Infectious mononucleosis is typically a self-limiting condition and resolves within a few weeks with rest and supportive care. However, complications such as splenic rupture, though rare, can occur.Patients should be advised to avoid contact sports and strenuous activities to minimize this risk.