Mononucleosis (often called “mono”) is a pretty common viral infection, especially in young adults and teenagers. You might have even heard it called the “kissing disease.”
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into mono, exploring what causes it, what the symptoms are, how doctors diagnose it, and what treatments are available. We’ll also cover what you can do to prevent it from spreading.
What Causes Mononucleosis?
Most cases of mononucleosis, sometimes called “mono” or the “kissing disease,” are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common type of herpesvirus.
It’s estimated that most people will be exposed to EBV at some point in their lives, and many will never develop mononucleosis. In fact, they may never even know they’ve been exposed.
EBV is shed in saliva, so it’s most often spread through kissing, but sharing drinks or utensils can also spread the virus.
Less often, mono-like symptoms may be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) or other viruses.
What are the symptoms of mono?
The most common symptoms of mononucleosis include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits
Other possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Swollen tonsils
- Enlarged spleen or liver (less common)
Mono has a long incubation period, which means that it can take four to six weeks after exposure for symptoms to appear. The symptoms themselves usually last for two to four weeks. However, the fatigue associated with mono can persist for months in some cases, making it difficult to return to normal activities.
How is mono diagnosed?
Mono is usually diagnosed using a combination of a physical exam and blood tests. Your doctor will check for telltale signs like swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, and spleen.
Blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis. The most common test is the Monospot test, which looks for heterophile antibodies in your blood. A more specific test looks for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies.
Keep in mind that the Monospot test isn’t always accurate, especially early in the illness. It’s also less reliable in young children, so your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Mono Treated?
There’s no cure for mono, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms until the illness runs its course. Here’s what doctors usually recommend:
- Rest: Rest is the most important thing you can do. Your body needs energy to fight the infection. Try to get as much sleep as possible, and avoid strenuous activities. If you’re feeling fatigued, take naps throughout the day.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with fever and sore throat pain. Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can also soothe a sore throat.
- Avoid Antibiotics: Antibiotics won’t help because mono is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
- Avoid Contact Sports: Mono can sometimes cause the spleen to enlarge. If this happens, you’ll need to avoid contact sports and other strenuous activities because of the risk of splenic rupture, which is a medical emergency. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when it’s safe to return to normal activities. This usually takes several weeks.
- Corticosteroids: In rare, severe cases, like if you have airway obstruction, your doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
How can I avoid getting mono?
The best way to avoid mononucleosis is to limit close contact with people who are infected. Don’t share drinks, food, or utensils with others. Avoid sharing personal items, like toothbrushes or razors.
It’s difficult to prevent the spread of EBV because it’s so common. Most adults have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives, and they can spread it even if they don’t have symptoms.
The most important thing you can do is practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
In Closing
The good news is that most people recover completely from mononucleosis. The key to getting back to your usual self is patience and consistent self-care.
It’s also worth knowing that, for some people, fatigue can linger even after the other symptoms of mono have faded. If you’re still feeling tired after several weeks or months, talk with your doctor or another healthcare provider.
With the right care and support, you can get through mono and get back to living your life to the fullest.