“Mono” refers to infectious mononucleosis, a contagious infection that can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Commonly called “the kissing disease,” mono often affects adolescents and young adults.
Mono is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In some cases, mono is an STD (sexually transmitted disease).
- The virus is usually spread through bodily fluids, especially saliva, through kissing (mono is often called “the kissing disease”). It can also be spread through semen or through vaginal or cervical secretions during sexual contact.
- But mono is not always transmitted sexually. It is transmitted though saliva so it can also be spread by sharing eating utensils or by drinking from the same glass as someone infected with the virus. It can also be spread through blood and blood transfusions and organ transplantations.
People are often exposed to EBV during childhood, although they may not realize it at the time because they may not have symptoms or symptoms are mild.
What Are Symptoms of Mono?
Symptoms of mono (infectious mononucleosis) may develop slowly and usually appear four to eight weeks after infection and may include:
- Extreme fatigue, which may last for more than a month
- Fever (temperature greater than 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Headache
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Rash
- Swollen liver and/or spleen (less common)
Mono is usually not considered a serious illness and most people will fully recover within one to four weeks without complications. Some people may have fatigue that persists for several more weeks. In rare cases, symptoms of mono last six months or more.
How Is Mono Diagnosed?
Mono (infectious mononucleosis) is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. A diagnosis of mono is often based on symptoms and lab tests are usually not necessary.
- A blood test called the Monospot may be used to confirm a diagnosis in some cases but the test often comes back with false negatives early in the illness so it’s not always reliable.
- Sometimes, additional blood tests may be used to detect the cause of illness in people who do not have typical cases of infectious mononucleosis.
What Is the Treatment for Mono?
The goal of treatment for mono (infectious mononucleosis) to relieve symptoms.
Home remedies to relieve symptoms of mono may include:
- Drinking fluids
- Getting plenty of rest
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain and fever
- Avoid contact sports until fully recovered
- Mono can cause the spleen to become enlarged and strenuous activities such as sports may cause it to rupture
Antibiotics are not used to treat mono because it is caused by a virus. There are currently no antiviral medications that are effective to treat or cure Epstein-Barr virus.
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https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-mono.html
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/infectious-mononucleosis-mono-in-adults-and-adolescents-beyond-the-basics?search=Infectious%20mononucleosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-arizona/blog/std-awareness-10-sexually-transmitted-diseases-you-probably-dont-know-about