mono: do you know the signs?

a contagious infection caused by the epstein-barr virus, mono usually presents with a fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

by dave yasvinski

published nov 09, 2022

last updated feb 20, 2023

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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the epstein-barr virus has been linked to multiple sclerosis

the presence of a fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes — combined with a patient’s age — are usually all a doctor needs to diagnose mono. getty

mononucleosis is a contagious infection caused by the epstein-barr virus. it is often referred to as the “kissing disease” because it spreads easily through saliva (and other bodily fluids) and is most common among teenagers and young adults. mononucleosis may not be as contagious as the common cold, but it can still be spread by sharing utensils or glassware with an infected individual. mono usually isn’t very serious and, for most people, resolves with minimal treatment. very young patients can experience few signs of the disease and may even go undiagnosed. in older patients, an infection can take around a month to recover from, with symptoms including a high fever, swollen lymph glands and a sore throat, according to healthline.

recent research has shed alarming new light on the epstein-barr virus, however, determining that it may be the leading cause and trigger in the progression of multiple sclerosis in some patients, according to the ms society. as this important research continues, the best advice to current patients is to rest up and drink plenty of fluids until they start to feel better.

symptoms of mononucleosis

mono has a lengthy incubation period and symptoms may only begin to present four to six weeks after infection. when they do appear, symptoms can be hard to distinguish from other viruses, including the flu. if your symptoms do not improve after a week or two of home rest, you should contact a doctor. occasionally, mononucleosis can lead to a swollen spleen or kidney but an infection is almost never fatal.

the symptoms of mono can last for two months and include:

sore throat
fever
headache
fatigue
swollen tonsils
swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits
muscle weakness
night sweats

how is mononucleosis diagnosed?

the presence of a fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes — combined with a patient’s age — are usually all a doctor needs to diagnose mono. a few blood tests can also help make a determination including a white blood cell count (a high quantity of infection-fighting white blood cells suggests a mono infection) or an ebv antibodies or “mono spot test” (the presence of antibodies produced to fight the epstein-barr virus is usually enough to confirm diagnosis).

how is mononucleosis treated?

according to myhealth alberta, addressing a mono infection primarily consists of self-care measures, such as rest and staying in bed until you feel better, keeping hydrated by drinking lots of fluids (primarily water), using throat lozenges and gargling with salt water and taking over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and fever

if the infection is severe, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling in the throat, tonsils or spleen.

preventing mononucleosis

it is almost impossible to avoid mononucleosis, but you can prevent spreading it to others by taking a few simple steps. this involves not kissing or sharing foods or drinks with anyone for a few months after symptoms have faded. doctors aren’t sure how long people remain infectious, so it’s best to err on the side of caution, if possible. patients should also avoid donating blood, engaging any sort of contact sport or lifting anything heavy while sick. the virus can spread through blood products and heavy physical activity risks damage to the spleen.

how many people get mononucleosis?

it is estimated that around 95 per cent of canadians are infected with the epstein-barr virus. not everyone will contract mononucleosis, however, and some may have already had a mild case without even knowing it. around half of canadian students have the virus by the time they reach university or college.

support for mononucleosis

for more information about mononucleosis and the epstein-barr virus, visit healthlink bc, the canadian cancer society and public health ontario.

dave yasvinski is a writer with  healthing.ca

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dave yasvinski

mono: do you know the signs?