Infectious mononucleosis (also known as "mono" or the "kissing disease") is a fairly common viral disease that usually affects adolescents and young adults, including college students. Many college students have already developed immunity or resistance by the time they reach college age. Once you have had mono it is unlikely that you will ever get it again.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 20-50 days after infection. Symptoms may be so mild that one can have mono without knowing it. In other cases, symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. Common symptoms include:
- Severe sore throat, which is almost always present and lasts about 6-10 days. The throat may be very red, with white spots or pus on the tonsils. This can initially look similar to strep throat
- Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually lowest during the first week and may worsen at night
- Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, lasting up to one month after you are feeling well
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Causes
The infection is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus but may be caused by other related viruses.
Risk Factors
- Adolescence and young adults
- Patients who have intimate contact with the saliva of an infected person
- People who take medications that suppress the immune system
Treatment
Like the common cold, mono is a viral infection with no cure. Antibiotics do not work as a treatment for mono.
Gargle: To reduce throat pain, gargle with one teaspoon of salt (or baking soda) dissolved in a glass of very warm water. You can purchase non-prescription medications like Chloraseptic gargle or lozenges, or your clinician may write a prescription for gargles that reduce throat pain and make swallowing easier.
Take medication: For fever, sore throat, head and body aches, ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) are available without prescription. Follow directions on packaging. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) because of possible liver inflammation that can be associated with mono. In addition, you need to take special care of yourself during recovery.
Refrain from vigorous activities: Because mono can affect the entire lymph system, including the spleen (located under your left lower rib cage), avoid vigorous activities such as football, soccer or running. Do not play contact sports until at least 6-8 weeks after diagnosis or onset of symptoms. You can do mild exercises such as walking or swimming, as long as the activity doesn't increase fatigue.
Rest at least eight hours per night: Attend classes if you feel able, but plan to rest often.
Eat nutritious foods: To strengthen your immune system and help reduce symptoms, eat antioxidant rich foods like leafy vegetables, peppers, and blueberries, avoid refined foods like sugar and white breads, and blend your foods or eat them with a liquid to soothe a sore throat.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids to avoid dehydration: Non-caffeinated Green tea has beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs not prescribed by your clinician for at least six weeks, because of possible liver inflammation.
When to seek care
If streptococcus is not present and your symptoms continue for 7-10 days, you should return to your clinician for possible further testing.
Prevention
As a precaution, you should avoid sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, food, and kissing until your sore throat and other symptoms have disappeared for 4-6 weeks. Be sure to cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Campus Resources
Nebraska Medicine University Health Center offers health care services to help students feel and stay well, including mono testing.
Appointments are required for all visits. To schedule, call 402.472.5000. Learn more about hours.