Mononucleosis
Overview: Infectious mononucleosis (also called mono) is a viral infection. It is a common infection, but often it causes no symptoms, especially when younger children have it. However, for adolescents and young adults it is a frequent cause of illness and missed school. The virus that causes infectious mono is called the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is spread mainly through saliva, which is why it has the nickname “kissing disease”.
After the virus enters the body it can take up to a month before symptoms begin. The first symptoms usually are tiredness, fever, headache and muscle aches. Many people have extreme tiredness before they have other symptoms. After a few days of fever and aches other symptoms are sore throat and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in neck. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, aching joints and rash (this may include tiny red spots in the mouth).
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Your provider will look for fever; a red throat with enlarged tonsils sometimes covered with pus; and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. You may also have a red rash, especially on the chest, and an enlarged spleen (in the upper left abdomen). A blood sample will be taken to test for mono. The first blood test might be negative. If your provider thinks you have mono, you may be asked to return in a few days for another blood test. If you have mono, this second test is usually positive.
There is no specific drug treatment for mono. Because it is a viral illness, antibiotics are not helpful. The most important thing you can do is to get plenty of rest. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and sore throat. If your symptoms seem to be worsening rather than getting better after a couple of weeks, tell your health care provider. You may develop strep throat or a sinus infection. The virus might inflame your liver. Do not drink alcohol when you have mono as it could damage your liver to do so. Avoid heavy lifting or jarring activity (like contact sports) for about 1 month.
You can take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, gargle with warm salt water to help with throat discomfort, drink plenty of fluids, return to activities slowly and following you provider’s instructions.
Resources
Last update: 09 Dec 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
