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Kissing may boost your happy hormones and offer many health benefits. But it may also end up transmitting bacteria and virus. Mononucleosis or mono is called the kissing disease for a reason. The virus responsible for it usually gets spread through saliva. It is quite common and can affect people of different age groups. However, it typically occurs in teenagers and young adults. Read on to know the signs of mononucleosis or mono.
Mononucleosis is a viral infection, typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is widely disseminated in all population groups. It is mostly common in people who are aged between 15 and 24, according to a 2023 research published in StatPearls.
The primary cause of mononucleosis is the EBV, a member of the herpesvirus family, shares internal medicine expert Dr Ajay Nair. EBV is highly contagious and can spread through saliva, mucus, and sometimes tears. Close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or sharing utensils, can facilitate transmission. Also, mono can spread through coughing, sneezing, or by sharing personal items like toothbrushes or glasses.
The symptoms of mono can take four or six weeks to appear. Here are some of the signs –
Fatigue is a common symptom of mono and can be overwhelming, often lasting for weeks or even months. It can interfere with daily activities and may not improve even after resting, says the expert.
Mono can cause a severe sore throat, which may make swallowing painful. The throat may appear red and swollen, and white patches or pus may be present on the tonsils.
Lymph nodes, particularly those in the neck and armpits, may become bigger and tender. This swelling is your body’s immune response to the viral infection, says Dr Nair.
A low-grade fever is common in people with mono and may persist for several days or weeks. The body’s temperature is a sign that the immune system is trying its best to fight the virus.
Many people with mono have headaches, which can be mild or severe. These headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches.
Mono can cause generalised muscle aches and weakness throughout the body. These symptoms can contribute to the overall feeling of fatigue.
In some cases, mono may cause a red, spotty rash, particularly if the person is treated with antibiotics, says the expert. The rash is typically not itchy and may appear as small, flat, pink spots on the limbs or trunks.
Physical examination, and a few tests may help in diagnosing the kissing disease.
There is no specific cure for mono, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and allowing the body to recover naturally, says the expert.
The recovery time for mono varies from person-to-person, but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. While symptoms such as fatigue and sore throat may improve within a few weeks, it is not uncommon for fatigue to persist for several months.
Once a person has been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus and developed mono, they typically develop lifelong immunity and are unlikely to get the kissing disease again. However, it is possible to experience a recurrence of symptoms if the virus reactivates, although this is rare.
To reduce the risk of contracting mono, avoid close contact with people who are infected, practice good hygiene such as washing hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items, and refrain from kissing if your partner has symptoms of mono.
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