Mono, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is a common illness that affects primarily young adults and teens, although anyone at any age can get it. It’s sometimes called the “kissing disease” since it’s most commonly spread through saliva.

The most well-known mono symptom is extreme fatigue, but can bouts of mono lead to more than that? Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team further explains.

What Is Mono?

Mono is a group of symptoms that is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). As we said earlier, the virus is commonly spread through direct contact with saliva, but it can also be spread in other ways, such as contact with blood and through sexual contact and organ transplantation.

The symptoms of mono, which we’ve listed below, usually last for around a month, but they can for longer in some cases. Since mono is caused by a virus, there isn’t really any treatment that can eliminate the virus; it will need to run its course.

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

Am I at Risk of Getting Mono?

According to experts, the people who have the highest chance of contracting mono are those who regularly come into close contact with large numbers of people, which is why high school and college-aged people most often fall victim to this illness.

Furthermore, mono has a long incubation period, so many that contract the virus won’t actually experience symptoms for quite some time. We’ve listed some effective ways you can prevent mono below.

Ways to Prevent Mono

• Avoid close contact 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 Monroe Road team today!