If you have a teenager or college student, you have likely heard of mono going around a sports team or a dormitory at some point. But what is it? And why does it seem to affect this young adult population the most?
What Is Mono?
Mononucleosis, often called “mono,” is a contagious viral infection spread by contact with infected saliva (such as through kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing items like utensils or lip balm).
It is typically caused by the Epstein Barr Virus and can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headache, body aches, and rashes. Symptoms can develop slowly and sometimes take as long as 4-6 weeks to appear after infection.
Why Does Mono Affect Young Adults Most?
The reason mono affects the young adult population so significantly has a lot to do with immune response. Most people are infected with the Epstein Barr Virus at some point in early childhood but never develop symptoms. When you are not exposed to EBV during childhood and then become infected as a teenager or young adult, your immune response is different, often leading to substantial symptoms and a longer recovery period.
How Is Mono Diagnosed and Treated?
Mono can be diagnosed via blood test. If you have the aforementioned symptoms or a sore throat and fever that linger or do not improve with antibiotics, your provider may suggest a mono test.
The treatment for mono is symptom management and comfort care, including the use of Tylenol or Motrin/Advil for fever/pain, rest, and drinking lots of water. The most common complication of mono is an enlarged spleen. It is important to avoid contact sports and strenuous activity with an enlarged spleen and to wait for a doctor’s clearance before resuming normal activity as a ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that requires surgical intervention.
If you have any questions or concerns about this condition, or if you are ever in need of advice, please give us a call!
Stay well 😊
Sources:
From the Triage Desk 
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