Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis has been called the kissing disease, infectious mononucleosis or just plain mono. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that two viruses can cause mono: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Both viruses are in the herpes family, whose other members include viruses responsible for cold sores, chicken pox and shingles. (Read about "Herpes" "Childhood Illnesses" "Shingles")

Mono is most often caused in the U.S. by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). According to the National Institutes of Health, EBV causes 85 percent of mono cases. About half of all children are infected with EBV before they're 5, but at that young age, it usually doesn't cause any symptoms. But when it hits in the teen years or the 20's, watch out - it can cause mononucleosis. The peak age for infectious mononucleosis, according to FDA, is 15 to 17 years of age.

Mononucleosis and its symptoms

In mononucleosis, the virus is passed via the salvia of an infected person, hence the name, the kissing disease. But kissing isn't the only way you can get it. Sharing a straw, a glass or other eating utensils are possible ways to get mono, according to FDA. On occasion being very close to an infected person when they cough or sneeze can also put you at risk. You won't know right away if you have mono though, because the incubation period (that's the time from infection to symptoms) is 4 to 7 weeks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

As with many infections, one of the first signs is a fever. AAFP lists these other signs:

• sore throat
• headaches
• white patches on the back of the throat
• swollen glands in the neck
• tiredness
• lack of hunger

Blood tests, such as the Monospot test are used to confirm the disease, according to FDA. (Read about "Laboratory Testing")

What to do

Mono is not usually a life threatening illness, though it will affect a teen's social life. Antibiotics (Read about "Antibiotics") are no help because mono is caused by a virus. Mono symptoms usually last about four weeks, according to AAFP. CDC says they seldom last more than four months. Most treatment revolves around treating the symptoms. AAFP suggests the following for mono patients:

• rest and lots of it
• drinking lots of fluids
• gargling for a sore throat, throat lozenges or Popsicles
• acetaminophen for the fever not aspirin
• no sports or exercise unless cleared by your doctor

Sometimes the spleen (Read about "The Spleen") will be enlarged. That is the biggest concern with the disease. If the spleen ruptures, emergency surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding and possibly remove the spleen. FDA suggests no lifting of heavy objects or sports for two months after symptoms appear, in order to protect the spleen from rupturing. A sharp pain in the left side of the upper abdomen about the rib cage is a signs the spleen could be injured. You should seek immediate medical attention.

Getting better

Once the first symptoms have passed, you can probably begin some normal activities. But it's important to remember that it will take a couple of months before you begin to feel like normal again.

There is no reason to isolate someone with mono. Many healthy people also carry the virus and can pass it on at anytime, according to CDC.

Related Information:

    Microorganisms

    Teenage Health Risks