Mononucleosis, also called “mono”, is a contagious infection that is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. Mono is spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes through blood and semen.
Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time. These symptoms include:
Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigue for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.
MThere is no vaccine to protect against infectious mononucleosis. You can protect yourself by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items, like toothbrushes, with people who have mono. Home treatment to relieve symptoms is usually all that is needed:
If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin.
Because your spleen may become enlarged due to infectious mononucleosis, you should avoid contact sports until you fully recover. Participating in contact sports can be strenuous and may cause the spleen to rupture.
You can learn more about Mono by visiting the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Website
