

This is okay for children as long as they are old enough. Gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat.This could keep you away from school or work for a little while. You need bedrest until you feel well enough to be up. Usually only self-care is needed for mono. Blood tests can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms. You may also need blood tests to check for signs of mono. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and will examine you. Severe pain in the upper left part of your belly may mean that your spleen has burst. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus. The most common symptoms of mono are a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called swollen glands) and tonsils, and weakness and fatigue. Almost everyone has been infected with the mono virus by adulthood. When the virus is active, it can be spread to others. The virus may become active from time to time without causing any symptoms. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the "kissing disease." If you have mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like drinking glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.Īs soon as you get over mono, your symptoms will go away for good, but you will always carry the virus that caused it. Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. Older adults usually don't get mono, because they have immunity to the virus. Children can get the virus, but it often goes unnoticed because their symptoms are mild. It is most often seen in teens and young adults. Mono usually is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.

Mononucleosis, also called "mono," is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months.
