Yes, it is. In fact, mono is often referred to as the “kissing disease” because it is commonly transmitted through direct contact with saliva.
Our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team shares more important info on mono below, so keep reading!
What Exactly Is Mono?
Infectious mononucleosis, or “mono,” as it's known, can be caused by many different viruses. The most common culprit and cause of this viral infection, though, is the Epstein-Barr virus. Although anyone at any age can get mono, young adults and teenagers are most commonly affected by it.
Mono symptoms aren't usually severe, but they're quite unpleasant; however, the infection is self-resolving and doesn't typically have any long-term health complications.
Common Mono Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn't get better after treatment with antibiotics
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Soft, swollen spleen
How Contagious Is Mono?
Mono is contagious, though not as contagious as other viral infections, like the flu or a common cold. With that being said, though, many people do get it—nearly 90% of people will be affected by it by the time they turn 35! Many will merely be transmitters, but some will experience symptoms.
While mono is most usually transmitted by kissing and swapping saliva, it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, coughing, sneezing and sexual contact. Follow the guidelines outlined below to avoid getting mono.
Ways to Prevent Mono
- Avoid close contact (kissing included) with people who are sick.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, since a healthy individual is better prepared to ward off any virus when exposed.
- Eat a nutritional diet and get adequate sleep, which is between seven and nine hours each night.
- Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week, which keeps the body fit and less likely to catch any viral illnesses.
Want to learn more about mono? Don't hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team today!
