With school back in session, we are starting to see more cases of mono at UNI Urgent Care. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn’t as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.
You’re most likely to get mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms if you’re an adolescent or young adult. Young children usually have few symptoms, and the infection often goes unrecognized.
If you have mononucleosis, it’s important to be careful of certain complications such as an enlarged spleen. Rest and adequate fluids are key to recovery.
Symptoms of Mono
Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
- Fatigue
- Sore throat, or perhaps a strep throat that doesn’t get better with antibiotic use
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- swollen spleen
The virus has an incubation period of approximately four to six weeks, although in young children this period may be shorter. Signs and symptoms such as a fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks, but fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may last for a few weeks longer.
If you are experiencing the symptoms above, it is time to see a doctor. Visit U.N.I. URGENT CARE at any of our offices, seven days a week.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice nor is it intended as such. If you have questions about your health please contact our U.N.I. URGENT CARE offices,
in case of an emergency call 911
Information from The Mayo Clinic was used in this post.