Infectious mononucleosis, or commonly known as mono or glandular fever, is a viral infection that affects the body’s immune system.

This condition is mostly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Mono is highly contagious and can spread through contact with saliva, mucus, and other bodily fluids. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, transmission, and management of infectious mononucleosis.

How Mono spreads?

The transmission of mono happens through close contact with someone who has the infection. The virus can spread through kissing, sharing utensils, coughing, or sneezing.

Mono can also spread through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, although these cases are very rare. The virus can survive in the saliva of an infected person for months, and that is why kissing is the most common way the virus spreads. Moreover, since EBV can be present in blood and sexual fluids, mono can also be transmitted through sexual contact.

What are the Symptoms of Mono?

The symptoms of mono can be quite severe and mimic those of other viral infections. However, the most common symptoms of mono are:.

Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Skin rash
Enlarged spleen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Is Mono Contagious?

Yes, mono is highly contagious, and people who have the infection should avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus. People who have mono can still be contagious even if they don’t have any symptoms or feel well.

Once a person is infected with the virus, it takes 4-6 weeks for symptoms to appear. However, some people may develop symptoms within a week after exposure, while others may not develop symptoms at all.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can get mono; however, people between the ages of 15 and 30 are at higher risk of infection, primarily due to their more active social lives. The virus can easily spread in crowded places, such as schools, colleges, and dormitories.

People who have a weakened immune system due to medical conditions, such as HIV, or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, are also at higher risk of developing complications from mono.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mono can be challenging, as it shares symptoms with other viral infections, such as the flu or strep throat. Therefore, the doctor may need to run some tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The most common test used to diagnose mono is a blood test that looks for the presence of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. The doctor may also conduct a physical exam to check for swollen lymph nodes, spleen enlargement, or a rash.

How is Mono Treated?

Generally, mono will go away on its own within 2-4 weeks without the need for specific treatment. However, the healthcare provider may prescribe medication to ease the symptoms of mono, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever.

Patients are also advised to drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest to help the body recover. People with mono should avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, or other strenuous activities as these can cause complications. If a person is diagnosed with mono, they must avoid close contact with others to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Complications

Most people recover fully from mono within a few weeks without any significant complications. However, in rare cases, mono can cause complications, including:.

Enlarged spleen – which can rupture and cause severe pain or internal bleeding
Nervous system complications – such as meningitis or encephalitis
Jaundice – which occurs when the liver becomes inflamed
Airway obstruction – when the tonsils enlarge, making it difficult to breathe

Prevention

Since mono is highly contagious, the best way to prevent it is to avoid close contact with infected individuals. People should avoid sharing utensils, glasses, or drinking from the same bottle as an infected person.

It is also essential to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding kissing or sexual contact with infected persons. If someone is diagnosed with mono, they should take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, such as avoiding close contact with others, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands more often.

Conclusion

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that primarily affects teenagers and young adults. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or other bodily fluids.

The symptoms of mono can be severe and may mimic those of other viral infections. If left untreated, mono can lead to complications such as an enlarged spleen, jaundice, or nervous system complications.

Therefore, it is vital to prevent the spread of the virus by practicing good personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.