Mono symptoms may vary from an individual to another, and it's best to know more what the condition is. Infectious mononucleosis is the medical term for what also known as the "kissing disease". It is most often referred to as mono. This condition is caused primarily by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family.

 

  The virus that causes mono symptoms is transmitted through saliva. Not everyone who is exposed to EBV will develop mono symptoms. Just, the same with many viruses, it is still possible to be exposed and get infected with EBV without develop any symptoms.

 

  An individual can obtain such disease most often through kissing, but one can still be exposed through a cough or sneeze, and even as simple as sharing a glass of water or utensils with someone who was infected with mono.

  The kissing disease causes fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. This symptoms occurs most often in those who are between 15 to 17 of age. This happens to be the range of age where people are into exploring relationships. However, the infection may develop at any age. 

 

  Mono symptoms may begin slowly with a general ill feeling, sore throat and headache. The lymph nodes along the neck turn swollen and eventually painful. The sore throat gradually worsens, where the tonsils become swollen and grow with a whitish-yellow layer. 

 

  Generally, mono symptoms may include:

 

 

At times, mono symptoms may also include:

 

  Mono symptoms are diagnosed through physical examination, where the doctor may initially find swollen lymph nodes along the neck up to the nape, swollen tonsils with a whitish-yellow layers.

 

  On examining the abdomen, the doctor may also feel a swollen spleen or worse, swollen liver, which causes the yellowing of the skin or medically known as jaundice. Skin rashes may be visible. Blood tests may reveal a higher white blood cell count (WBC) , with some unusual-looking under microscopic view, known as atypical lymphocytes.

 

  Abnormal liver function tests and atypical lymphocytes are hallmark signs of mononucleosis. The doctor would usually go for monospot test to confirm an occurrence of mono symptoms, which turns positive for infectious mononucleosis.

 

  An antibody titer, a special test, may also be opted by the doctor to further distinguish an acute or current EBV infection from one that occurred in the past.

 

 

  Some known complications from mononucleosis include:

 

 

And neurological conditions such as:

 

  Basically, treatment for mono symptoms focuses on relieving the symptoms. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and obtain enough rest to relieve typical mono symptoms. To ease a sore throat, it is advised to gargle with warm salt water.

 

  For pain and fever, taking Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen will do, or per doctor’s advice. Contact sports should be avoided, to prevent rupture in case a swollen spleen is suspected. 

 

  The initial mono symptoms may feel very much like a typical viral illness. It is actually not necessary to seek for the help of a health provider or consider it an emergency, unless the mono symptoms stay longer than 10 days or the following conditions are experienced:

 

 

  Individuals who have been infected with EBV will carry the virus for the rest of their lives, even if they never had or will develop any mono symptoms. People who exhibit mono symptoms probably will not get sick or have symptoms again.

 

  However, mono symptoms are not as contagious as some infections, to include common colds. 

 

  The best way to stay away from mono symptoms is to avoid kissing somebody who was previously infected with EBV. Good hygiene practices are effective as well in minimizing the spread of mono.

 

  Handwashing decreases the possibility of passing on bacteria from one individual to another. Techniques on proper handwashing are recommended. The actual length of being contagious for mono symptoms may vary.