What is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis, or “mono,” is an infectious illness that causes fever, sore throat, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. It is spread by a virus through sharing of everyday items as well as by coughing or kissing. Mononucleosis can also cause serious symptoms that require medical attention. Mono is transmitted through the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).
Who is most susceptible to mono?
Older children and young adults.
How can I get mono?
Mono is spread through the saliva and other body fluids of an infected individual. This can take place through kissing, coughing and sharing of everyday items such as eating utensils, drinks, toothbrushes, straws, cigarettes, etc.
What are the common symptoms?
• Fatigue, tiredness
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Headache
• Rash
• Tenderness in the right side of the abdomen.
Symptoms may begin between four and six weeks after exposure to someone who is infected. People are most contagious right before and as they begin to show symptoms, but may remain contagious for a month of more after becoming ill.
Complications of mono are are, but they can be serious. These may include liver inflammation called hepatitis, along with juandice (yellowing of the skin), rupture of the spleen, difficulty breathing from swollen tonsils, encephalitis, heart inflammation, anemia and low platelet count. If you experience sharp or intense pain in your abdomen, severe headache or confusion, along with other symptoms of mono, please go to your nearest emergency department for assessment.
How do I treat mono?
Rest is the most important treatment. Also take plenty of fluids. Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are generally safe and effective for fever and sore throat. As mono is caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic available to treat it. Abstain from alcohol for three months after becoming ill, in order to protect the liver. Avoid heavy exercise to protect the spleen.
How can I prevent mono?
The best ways to minimize the risk of spreading mono include hand washing, not sharing any personal items such as drinks and drinking cups, straws, cigarettes or kitchen utensils, sneezing and coughing only into your sleeve and throwing away all used tissues and personal items. Avoid kissing and other intimate contact with anyone if either of you has symptoms of mono.
Do I need to isolate from others if I have mono?
Mono does not require isolation from others. Most individuals have been exposed to mono, and are not at risk of contacting it. Roommates rarely contract mono from one another, unless through direct contact with saliva or other bodily fluids. The virus is less contagious than the common cold.
Can I be tested for mono?
Yes. A medical clinician can diagnose mono through an assessment, and testing for mono can be performed by blood test. You may receive a mono test at UHCS (charged to your health plan) or through your individual provider
Please review our additional resources on mononucleosis:
Boston Public Health Commission Fact Sheet on Mononucleosis