Symptoms of mono - mononucleosis
What is mono
If you haven’t already guessed. Mono is the abbreviation for the medical term ‘mononucleosis’. It is caused by the infamous Epstein-Barr virus.
Symptoms of mono
The medical symptoms of mono are vague but the most significant one is enlarged lymph nodes - particularly visible on your neck area (which is also why it is commonly called ‘glandular fever’). Other symptoms include :
- fever
- headaches
- sore throat
- fatigue
- inappetance
- aching muscles
- white patches in the back of your throat
How is mono transmitted?
It’s not an easy disease to catch - it is usually transmitted via close contact particularly with the infected individual’s saliva and mucous secretions. It’s not as easily spread as say the common cold which you can catch from someone sneezing on you. Which is also why mono is affectionately known as the ‘kissing disease’ because it’s commonly spread from one person to another through the act of kissing. You will usually start to show symptoms of mono anywhere from 1-2 months after exposure to the bug. The age group which it commonly shows up in ranges from 15-35 years of age. Generally, once you’ve had mono, you can’t ‘catch’ it again.
Is mono dangerous?
It can be. Most people with mono will start to feel better after a month but there are others who seem to have a sustained chronic fatigue syndrome type illness that waxes and wanes and can last for months and some even years. However the main concern with mono is that the spleen of some people will become enlarged and is in danger of rupturing which will result in a massive internal bleed and is potentially life threatening. Most people with mono would report having intense and debilitating fatigue - not wanting to get out of bed all day, and complain that performing the simplest of tasks would just wipe them out for the rest of the day.
How is mono treated?
Because it’s a virus, antibiotics are of no use and most doctors will suggest rest, to limit your exercise, drink lots of fluids, tylenol or aspirin for pain and fever (NOTE : not for young children because of the dangers of developing Reye’s syndrome) .
How is mono diagnosed?
There is a simple test called the Monospot test which can be done but most doctors will also do a simple blood test to determine if you have mono or not.
See other medical symptoms