Mono is frequently called the kissing disease. This is only partially true. Mono can be spread by kissing, but more commonly spread by
Coughing
Sneezing
Sharing drinking glasses
Mono is caused by a virus. This means that antibiotics will not work to treat it.
Mono usually isn’t very serious, but it can make you feel miserable for a while. Some people with mono may be more ill than others.
Most people have had this virus by the time they are 35 years old. Many people never knew that was what they had.
Once you have had mono, you do not usually get it again.
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue
Weakness
Sore throat, sometimes following strep throat
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Swollen tonsils
Headache
Skin rashes
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Diagnosis
There is a blood test to check for mono, but it may come back negative unless you have had symptoms for at least a week. This blood test will be returned in 1 – 2 days after it is sent.
The incubation period for mono is usually 4 – 6 weeks.
Prevention
Mono is a virus that is always around.
There is no vaccine to prevent mono.
Good health habits can decrease your risk of contracting the virus.
Get enough rest and eat healthy foods to support your immune system.
Do not share food, dishes, glasses and utensils.
Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after the onset of the illness to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Treatment
Get plenty of rest. Do not push yourself to continue doing everything that you are used to doing. Be patient with your body while it recovers.
Gargle with warm salt water.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as juice or water.
Take over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil.
Do not drink any alcohol for at least 1 month.
Avoid contact sports until a health care provider tells you that it is ok to play.
Most signs and symptoms will ease within a few weeks, but it may be 1 – 3 months before you feel completely normal.
