What is mono? 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. The
infection is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus but may be caused by other related viruses.
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.
Symptoms usually appear
20-50 days after infection. The severity of symptoms varies greatly
between individuals. 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.
Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually worst
during the first week and seems to worsen at night.
Swollen, tender glands
(lymph nodes) in the neck, lasting up to one month after you are
feeling well.
Fatigue
Headaches
Diagnosis If
you have any symptoms and are concerned
that you may have mono, you should visit a clinician. To visit UHS,
see Appointment
or Walk-in.
The clinician will perform a physical exam, including throat and
glands. Because mono symptoms are similar to those of other infections,
the clinician will try to determine whether your symptoms
are those of mono, strep throat or another viral infection. The
clinician may swab the back of your throat.
If streptococcus
(strep) is present, you will be treated with an antibiotic.
If streptococcus is not present and your symptoms
continue for 7-10 days, you should return to your clinician for possible
further testing.
Blood tests for mono measure antibodies to the
virus and therefore are not usually positive until symptoms have been present
for one week or more.
Treatment Like the common cold, mono is a viral infection and
presently has no cure.
However, you can follow these self-care measures to feel better.
Gargle To remove pus from the tonsils and 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.
Apply a heating pad or a warm washcloth to
swollen neck glands to help relieve tenderness.
Take medication For fever,
sore throat, head and body aches, ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve), available
without prescription. Follow directions on packaging.
Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) because of possible
liver inflammation.
In addition, you need to take special care of yourself during recovery.
Refrain from vigorous activities.
Because mono affects the entire lymph node 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 two weeks
after symptoms resolve. 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 small amounts of food frequently if
your appetite is decreased. Milkshakes (or supplement drinks such as Boost or Ensure) between meals are a good
addition, as are snacks of peanut butter, eggs and cheese. If you have a sore throat, blend foods or eat them with
liquid to make them easier to swallow.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids to avoid dehydration.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs not prescribed by your clinician
for at least six weeks, because of possible liver inflammation.
You will probably feel most symptoms for the first two weeks of
the infection. After this time you should gradually improve, but
expect your energy level to be reduced longer. The recovery process
varies from person to person, so base your activities and check-ups
on how you feel.
Prevention Mono
is usually spread by close contact from one person to
another, hence the name "kissing disease." The infection
is not highly contagious and does not usually spread
to roommates. As a precaution, you should avoid sharing
drinking glasses and kissing until your sore throat
and other symptoms have disappeared for several (4-6)
weeks. Be sure to cover coughs and sneezes, and wash
your hands thoroughly and often.
