Fast Facts About Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is an extremely common viral illness affecting close to 95% of people at some point during their lifetimes. Let’s take a closer look at mono:

• Mononucleosis (mono) is a prevalent and highly contagious viral illness.
• Mono generally resolves itself but it may take time, plenty of rest as well as home remedies and OTC medications to ease some of the symptoms.
• Mono is caused by a common viral strain called Epstein-Barr (EPV) of the herpesvirus family.
• EPV remains in your system forever, usually dormant but occasionally reactivating which makes it contagious to others again. You will only get mono once.
• It is very contagious, often spread by saliva, mucus or tears.
• Because it is most often spread through close contact, it has been dubbed the “kissing disease”.
• Mono can also be passed by sharing things like cups or personal grooming utensils.
• Mono is most common among adolescents.
• Some of the symptoms of mono include: headache, night sweats, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, sore throat.
• Rare but potentially life-threatening complications of mono include swelling of the liver or swelling (or even bursting) of the spleen. If you have mono and feel intense pain in the left part of your stomach, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Some other rare complications of mono include: inflammation around the heart, anemia, meningitis or Gullain-Barre.
• Vigorous sports activity is not encouraged if you have mono as it could cause internal swelling.
• To diagnose mono, your doctor may order certain blood work, physically examine you as well as take your symptoms into account.
• Resting is very important to overcome mono as quickly and easily as possible.
• Symptoms of mono begin showing between 1-2 months after becoming infected and may last weeks to a month before you feel back to normal.
• Children sometimes contract mono, however, it is uncommon and usually very mild.
• Mono can strike nearly anyone but those who are more likely to contract mono include: the immunocompromised, adolescents and people who frequently come in contact with many other people such as students or medical professionals.

Thus concludes our peep at mononucleosis, thanks for visiting DocChat! If you have any medical concerns, our board-certified doctors are standing by 24/7/365.