You probably know it as "mono." Some people refer to it as the "kissing disease." The full name for this condition is mononucleosis. It's an infection caused by a virus. Usually that's the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono can pass from person to person. It most often affects teenagers and young adults. It's likely that not everything you hear about this disease is true. When you know the truth, you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting it—or spreading it to someone else.
Kissing is a common cause but not the only cause. People can pass along the virus that causes mono in saliva or mucus. The virus also spreads from coughing, sneezing, and sharing items like a drinking glass or toothbrush. However, mono is not as easy to catch as a common cold. If you do pick up the virus, mono symptoms will probably show up in about 4 to 6 weeks.
It's true that teens often get mono. But anyone can get it. It's common in people ages 15 to 30. Even infants and young children can get mono. If they do, their symptoms are usually very mild. Most people get infected with EBV at some time in their lives. EBV is more common in young adults, and very common in college students. At least 1 of 4 teens or young adults who gets EBV will develop mono symptoms.
Fatigue and swollen glands are common symptoms, but there are other symptoms too. For instance, you might have a very sore throat, a fever, or night sweats. You might lose your appetite. Symptoms may come on gradually and not all at the same time. Other symptoms of mono include headache and body ache. Less common but serious symptoms are swelling of the spleen or liver.
The fatigue of mono can last a long time. That is true. Some people are weak and tired for six months or more. But most of the time mono runs its course in 2 to 4 weeks. Children may recover in 1 to 3 weeks. And once you've had mono, you will probably not get it again.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term condition. Another name for it is myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). This condition is more common in women. It causes extreme exhaustion that does not go away with sleep. Symptoms are similar to some symptoms of mono. Some people with ME say their symptoms started after having mono. However, medical experts don’t know the actual cause of ME.
A virus causes mono, so antibiotics don’t help. Most of the time mono goes away on its own. If you get mono, you should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter pain and fever medicine may help relieve the symptoms. In severe cases of mono, steroid drugs may decrease swelling in the throat. Because mono can enlarge the spleen, you should avoid contact sports for 3 to 4 weeks. A ruptured spleen could occur, though that is a rare complication of mono.
You may have heard of a blood test called the Monospot test. This test can spot antibodies (proteins) in your blood that indicate an EBV infection. Blood tests can also check your level of white blood cells. But most doctors will diagnose mono without lab tests. They base their diagnosis on your symptoms and a physical exam.