More commonly known by its shortened name, Mono, this infection is just common enough for everyone to have heard about it, know a few symptoms of, and might know a school friend who stayed at home while recovering. Mononucleosis is contagious and may effect more people than we realize.
What is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is a viral infection that is spread through contact of saliva. While commonly called “the kissing disease,” it can also be spread sharing drinking cups or eating utensils. According to the Mayo Clinic, mononucleosis has an incubation period of 4 to 6 weeks which can make it difficult to isolate or to distinguish where it was contracted from.
What are the symptoms of Mononucleosis?
The most common symptom is the extreme fatigue most experience when fighting mononucleosis. Other symptoms are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes or tonsils, and headache. In some cases, patients will need to be monitored for enlargement of the spleen as it can rupture and need surgery. Patients with impaired immune systems can experience more serious symptoms and complications. Most recover without lasting issues, although the recovery can take multiple weeks.
Who can get Mononucleosis?
While anyone can get Mononucleosis, it effects teenagers and young adults differently. Most children are symptom-free when they contract the virus or have very mild symptoms. Adults have often been in contact with the virus that causes Mononucleosis and have the antibodies to fight it. While there are always exceptions, once you have contracted this virus, most are able to fight it off without issue.
