Mononucleosis: The “Kissing Disease”

Mono has gained a bad reputation as the infamous kissing disease, but this illness is much more nuanced than that. Adolescents and young adults are most likely to contract mononucleosis, so if your children are approaching that age, it’s smart to read up now and be prepared to identify potential symptoms.

Defining Mono

Mononucleosis is a disease transmitted through saliva, which is how the “kissing” element came to exist. However, saliva can transmit mono through a cough, sneeze, or sharing food as well. The good news is that mono isn’t even as contagious as the common cold.

How to Identify Mono

Fatigue is the top factor with mono, but it can be paired with a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, and headache. Most people with mono assume it is the flu, since the initial symptoms are similar, but an impossibly sore throat, body rash, and very high fever often differentiate mono from the flu within a few days.

These symptoms are a result of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is actually very common. It’s even possible to be exposed and infected without becoming sick if the immune system is strong enough to fight it off.

When young adults do come down with mono, however, it can take weeks to fully recover and return to school or work as normal. The exhaustion and pain brought on by mono typically require incredible amounts of rest. Be sure to visit an urgent care clinic as soon you begin feeling symptoms.

Potential Mono Complications

Mono is considered a minor disease that clears up easily without major treatment. But there are certain issues that rarely arise as a result of mononucleosis that can prove dangerous.

First, mono has been known to cause liver issues, like hepatitis and jaundice. Hepatitis is a mild liver inflammation, while jaundice makes the skin turn a bit yellow. Furthermore, mono could potentially lead to a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, a condition called anemia. If any unusual signs of symptoms appear, a visit to the doctor’s office can identify the problem and assign treatment immediately.

Recovery

Mono symptoms can stick around for up to a month, with the trademark exhaustion lingering even longer. There’s no cure for mono; it’s an illness that just has to run its course. The best way to heal is to get plenty or rest. Ibuprofen is safe to help alleviate any fever or aching muscles, and healthy foods and plenty of water will keep the body nourished.

Most importantly, recovery is gradual and can’t be rushed. Things should return to normal in a few weeks.