Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is often called “The Kissing Disease” because it is commonly contracted through saliva. Like many other lesser viral infections, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications. But, it rarely does. Usually, it runs its course through the body just like the common cold. Having mono is not serious.
Symptoms and Care
Symptoms are flu-like. You can expect extreme fatigue, sore throat, body aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and softly swollen spleen. Consequently, treatment is similar. It includes bed rest, plenty of fluid, and over-the-counter medication for pain and fever.
During this time, if you have mono you should refrain from kissing, sharing food, or eating utensils with anyone else to not spread the infection. Those are typical steps you would follow anyways with a cold or flu. It does take weeks to get over mono. Typically, people start to feel better in 2-4 weeks. Fatigue can last weeks after symptoms subside. In more rare cases, symptoms can last 6 months or more.
Usually mono is not serious, and just leaves you feeling tired for weeks. The only major impact it may have is in your social life and outside activities.
The only special consideration is a possible enlarged spleen from the infection. Because of this, doctors advise waiting a month or more after symptoms subside to resume sports or other physical activities.
Final Thoughts
Contracting mono is more of a nuisance than a life-threatening calamity. Contracting this infection can affect your outside activities. It leaves you bed-ridden with flu-like symptoms and fatigue. In very rare cases, you may experience complications such as an enlarged or ruptured spleen.
