Everyone knows the dreaded "kissing disease" known as mono, but surprisingly it's not contagious as once thought. Still prevalent in teenagers (most likely due to close social contact), household members rarely get it from others. In any event, prevention is once again the key in stopping the transmission of this disease.

What Is Mono?

The official term for mono is infectious mononucleosis. It affects pretty much everyone, but is usually common in preteens as well as adults. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is contained in bodily secretions, such as saliva. Coughing, kissing and sharing utensils all contribute to its transmission.

What Are The Symptoms?

The usual complaints are fatigue, headache and excessive weakness. Sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and armpits are common, which is why it's easily mistaken for cold or flu-like symptoms. The tonsils are often enlarged and can be covered with white patches of pus. About half the patients with mono often develop an enlarged spleen. These symptoms can generally last more than four weeks.

Other symptoms include a measles-like rash, which can develop on the face and the body. If antibiotics-such as amoxicillin-are given for a sore throat rare complications may include jaundice or meningitis.

How Is It diagnosed?

Usually a doctor will have a clinical suspicion of mono, which can then be confirmed by a blood test known as a Monospot test. A blood test known as a CBC can often reveal indications of a generalized infection. Due to its similar nature to cold or flu, it's not surprising that the diagnosis is often mistaken for these conditions.

What Is The Treatment?

Since the causing agent is a virus, doctors have few options to combat the disease with and usually have to recommend to patients to let it run its course. For the aches and fevers, ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often recommended. Gargling with warm salt water or swallowing teaspoons of honey can aid in relieving the sore throat.

Rarely, patients with mononucleosis have to be hospitalized due to severe dehydration. Drinking lots of water and fluids is essential when afflicted with mononucleosis. Oral steroid medications are often reserved for severe cases of mono.


How Long Am I Contagious With Mono?

You are most contagious when you are suffering from the fever. After that, the virus can be present in the saliva up to six months in very small amounts. I usually recommend a couple of weeks at home before going to school. No contact sports for a month since there is a possibility of rupture if their spleen is enlarged. The incubation period of mono is up to two months, meaning if you contract mono you won't see the symptoms for up to two months.

What About The Link Between Mono And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

A few decades ago, it was found that the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus known to cause mono, was linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a mysterious debilitating ailment that resulted in longstanding weakness and lethargy. However, there is no evidence that suggests contracting mono leads to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Even the established link with Epstein-Barr and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is still unproven and debated. To this day, the exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is still unknown.

		Feature Archives