I am not someone who has done much exercise in my life but have remained a healthy size due to my metabolism. I rarely workout and I've noticed after exercising more frequently that I fall sick after big exercises. I've spoken to a doctor after my symptoms were once very severe and they concluded it was mononucleosis. With this information crossed with my symptoms each other time I assume it's the same thing making me ill. From my understanding in very rare circumstances it can be reactivated because of strenuous exercise. Could this be whats happening and how do I prevent it?
Hi, guest.
While mononucleosis (often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV) is a common illness, the idea that it can be "reactivated" in the way you describe is complex. Here are some considerations:
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Initial Infection: Mononucleosis is characterized by fatigue, sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, among other symptoms. Once you've been infected with EBV, the virus remains in your system for life, but it usually remains dormant.
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Reactivation: The virus can reactivate, especially in times of stress or immune suppression, but this doesn't always lead to symptoms. When people talk about reactivation, they are usually referring to the virus becoming detectable in the blood again, but without causing mononucleosis symptoms.
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Post-exertional Malaise: People with certain conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), can experience a significant exacerbation of symptoms after exertion, termed "post-exertional malaise." This is not necessarily related to mononucleosis but can be reminiscent of it in terms of fatigue and malaise. It's a distinct phenomenon.
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Exercise and Illness: Strenuous exercise, especially when you're not used to it, can temporarily suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. This doesn't mean it's reactivating mono, but you could potentially be more susceptible to other infections.
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Prevention: If you believe that strenuous exercise is leading to reactivation of mononucleosis or other illnesses, it might be beneficial to:
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises rather than jumping into intense workouts.
- Ensure you are getting adequate rest and sleep.
- Maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
- Stay hydrated.
- Monitor other stressors in your life, as stress can impact your immune system.
- Consult with a doctor or a physical therapist who can guide you on the best approach to exercise for your specific situation.
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Other Possible Causes: There could be other reasons for feeling ill after exercise, such as dehydration, overexertion, or an unrelated viral or bacterial infection. It's essential to rule out other causes and not just assume it's related to a past mononucleosis infection.
Hope this helps!