Less common complications

Mononucleosis can also result in less common complications, including:

Anemia — a decrease in red blood cells and in hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells
Thrombocytopenia — a low count of platelets, which are blood cells involved in clotting
Heart problems — an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
Complications involving the nervous system — meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome
Swollen tonsils — which can block breathing

The Epstein-Barr virus can cause much more serious illness in people who have impaired immune systems. People with weakened immune systems may include people with HIV/AIDS or people taking drugs to suppress immunity after an organ transplant.

Mononucleosis

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Complications

Prevention