MONO Created by VSU Student Health Center

MONO THE KISSING DISEASE Mononucleosis is an illness caused by a virus, usually the Epstein- Barr virus.

MONO FACTS 80-95% of adults in the U.S. have had mono by the time they are 40; only about 20% know they’ve had it. Mono is transmitted usually by saliva. Kissing, drinking after someone and intimate contact are typical sources of exposure. Mono has a long incubation period. It can take 1-2 months for symptoms to appear. Many people are infectious without symptoms.

MONO SYMPTOMS Swollen lymph glands Sore throat Fever Fatigue Additional symptoms may include headache, poor appetite, muscle aches, nausea and a skin rash. Jaundice (yellow color in eyes or skin) or dark urine, usually only seen in more severe cases.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Antibiotics will not help as it is caused by a virus. Get plenty of rest. Some cases need 1-2 weeks away from work or school. Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids but no alcohol. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) will help pain and fever. Salt water gargles, sucking on ice cubes, or lozenges may relieve soreness in throat. Avoid contact sports and strenuous activities as the spleen may be enlarged and could rupture if hit. Don’t share drinks, avoid intimate contact if you don’t have time to be sick.

Source Cooley, B., Mueller, M., McNeely, M. (1998). ETR Associates. Santa Cruz, CA.