Mononucleosis (Mono)is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is most common in people ages 15 to 35 years old. The virus is found in saliva and mucous and can be passed from one person to another by kissing, sharing pop or drinks, sharing chapstick or lipsticks. Sometimes it can be passed by coughing. Symptoms of mono usually develop 4 to 7 weeks after you’re exposed to the virus. You usually only get mono only once, but some people have had recurrent mono. Mono cannot be cured but will go away on its own over time. The symptoms usually go away in 4 to 8 weeks, but sometimes they last up to 12 weeks.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fever
• sore throat
• difficulty swallowing
• headaches
• white patches on the back of your throat
• swollen glands in your neck
• feeling very tired
• loss of appetite

Other viruses and bacteria can cause these symptoms also, so if you’re feeling this way you should come to the Wellness Center. The nurse practitioner will conduct a physical examination. You will then be sent to Northfield Hospital if a mono test (simple blood test) is required. Sometimes other blood tests are also ordered to rule out other illnesses.

Treatment of Mono

The main treatment is to make your symptoms better. Here are some tips:

• Rest- the more you can rest, the faster it gets better
• Drink lots of fluids, so you don’t get dehydrated. You should try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or decaffeinated drinks each day.
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water, suck on throat lozenges, eat Popsicles or hard candy. Try to eat softer foods.
• If your sore throat is really bad and you are having trouble swallowing, the nurse practitioner or doctor needs to see you. They will generally prescribe some medicine to help. If you are not allergic to Aspirin or Advil you can take Advil, 600 mg., every 6 hours or Extra-Strength Tylenol, 500 mg., every 4 hours. Take the medicines with food so it doesn’t upset your stomach.

Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are of no help in mono. Mono is caused by a virus and antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Sometimes, with mono, you also develop a bacterial infection. If that occurs, your doctor or nurse practitioner will prescribe an antibiotic for you.

Sports and Exercise

The most serious concern with mono is that the spleen will enlarge and tear open (rupture). The spleen is located on the left side of your belly and it is rare to have a ruptured spleen. That is the reason that health care providers advise you to avoid sports or exercise of any kind until they think that it is safe. Moving around actively or getting hit during contact sports puts you at risk of rupturing your spleen. You need to avoid physical activities for 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts.