What are the signs and symptoms of Mononucleosis (“Mono”)?
Mononucleosis (often called “mono”) is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry. Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, sharing food using the same utensils, sharing a drink,although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you’re exposed to the virus. Generally, people only get mono once. It’s most common among people 15 to 35 years old. The main serious concern with mono is that the spleen will enlarge and even rupture (tear open). The spleen is like a large gland. It’s located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side. It helps filter your blood. Although a ruptured spleen is rare in people with mono,
