Mononucleosis, simply referred to as mono, is a contagious infection that usually results from Epstein-Barr virus. Since the virus is transmitted through saliva, mono is sometimes appropriately referred to as the “kissing disease”. Although mono can affect anyone irrespective of age, the illness is more pronounced among young adults and teens. Besides kissing, you can also get mononucleosis when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Sharing items such as food utensils with an infected person can also expose you to the virus that causes mono.
Mononucleosis may also result from other viruses besides the Epstein-Barr. Typically, mono is not a very serious condition, and people who have had mono may not be infected again for the rest of their life since they develop immunity against the infection. However, the complications associated with mono can be more life-threatening than the infection itself.
1. Pain While Swallowing
Pain while swallowing refers to any discomfort resulting from swallowing food, and it is a common symptom of mono. If you have swallowing pain, you will experience a strong squeezing or burning sensation down behind your breastbone or high in your neck region. But how does mono cause swallowing pain?
The virus that causes mononucleosis can also cause tonsillitis, a viral infection of the tonsils. Tonsils are double lymph nodes located on the two sides of the back of the throat, and they act as a defense mechanism against body infections. Tonsillitis causes tonsil swelling. Since swallowing process involves various muscles in the mouth, esophagus, and throat, any disorder in these parts of the digestive system makes it difficult to swallow food, leading to a painful sensation. The pain occurs when food rubs against the lining of the swollen tonsils while swallowing. Typically, pain while swallowing is accompanied with other symptoms of mono, including fevers.
It is important to understand that pain while swallowing may also result from other conditions, including strep throat and common cold. This explains why you need to contact your caregiver as soon as you begin experiencing swallowing pain. Failure to address the cause of swallowing pain may worsen the symptom, leading to other complications, such as chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath.
2. Fatigue
This refers to a feeling of weariness, lethargy, exhaustion, or tiredness. It has multiple causes, including too much work, worry, poor sleep, stress, and lack of physical exercises. Typically, fatigue that results from mononucleosis improves within a few weeks or months. However, in some patients, the symptom may persist beyond six months after the infection. If this happens, you may develop chronic fatigue syndrome, which is believed to result from long-term effects of mono on the body. If not treated, this symptom can cause serious complications. It is advisable to speak with your physician if you begin feeling fatigued frequently.
3. Fever
This is a condition in which the temperature of your body escalates above the normal levels, and it is usually a temporary state. It is normally the body’s natural way of responding to infections. Generally, the average body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Temperature levels slightly above this average mark may not be regarded as fevers. However, abnormally high levels of body temperatures are considered to be fevers. High body temperatures associated with mono usually begin as a mild symptom, and they become more frequent with time. In most cases, this symptom occurs alongside other mono symptoms, such as headaches and chills. See your doctor if you experience persistent high body temperatures.
4. Chills
A chill is a cold feeling that occurs following exposure to cold conditions, bacterial infections, or viral infections. Typically, they are accompanied with shivering. In most cases, mono-related chills occur alongside high body temperatures, and they are among the first signs of the illness. Although it is normal to have a chill, persistent chills can be a sign of a serious condition that calls for urgent medical attention. If not treated, they can cause difficulty breathing, persistent fevers, and other complications. You can relieve your chill episodes by wearing heavy clothing. Speak to your doctor about your situation if the symptom does not improve with homecare remedies.
5. Malaise
If you experience a general feeling of illness, weakness, pain, or any other form of general discomfort, then you probably have malaise. It is one of the first symptoms of mono, and it may occur with fatigue. Although mono-related malaise usually resolves after a few weeks, the symptom may get worse in cases where treatment is delayed. Be sure to visit your healthcare giver if you experience malaise that does not improve with time. Besides mono, other conditions that may cause this symptom include influenza, acute viral syndrome, acute bronchitis, and chronic active hepatitis. You may also develop this symptom if you have a connective tissue disease, COPD, or congestive heart failure.
6. Body Ache
A body ache is a common symptom of multiple conditions, including flu, stress, dehydration, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and mononucleosis. When you get infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, your immune system responds by sending the white blood cells to counter the infection. The cells may leave your body muscles stiff and achy, leading to body aches. You can alleviate body aches resulting from mono by having enough rest to allow your body to recover following heavy physical activities, taking a warm shower to allow the body muscles to relax, and taking plenty of water for proper hydration. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, can also help to relieve the aches.
7. Sore Throat
This refers to a painful sensation felt in the throat, and it is also one of the initial signs you may experience once you get infected with Epstein-Barr. The pain usually gets worse while swallowing. Since a sore throat is a symptom of many conditions, you may wonder if this symptom is a sign of mononucleosis. Although bacterial infections also cause sore throats, this symptom mostly results from viral infections. Besides mono, other causes of the symptom include cold and tonsil infection. If you have a sore throat, you may also experience other symptoms, such as watery eyes, coughs, sneezing, and runny noses.
8. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands found in the lymphatic system, a part of your body’s immune system. As the lymph fluid flows through the lymphatic system, the lymph nodes trap foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. Your immune system then uses the lymphocytes, which are a special type of white blood cells, to destroy the substances. When your lymph nodes become swollen due to an infection or germs, your immune system loses its ability to effectively fight substances that cause infections. Although there are many conditions that may cause your lymph nodes to swell, swollen lymph nodes resulting from mono usually affect the armpit and neck.
9. Headache
Typically, this type of ache causes discomfort or a painful sensation in your head, neck, or scalp. Mono-related headaches may be accompanied with nausea, high body temperatures, and other symptoms. During the initial stages of mononucleosis, you will typically experience mild pain that lasts for a few minutes to hours. The pain may increase and become severe with time if you don’t seek treatment. Mononucleosis headaches may also become more frequent with time. You can relieve the ache at home by placing a cool piece of cloth over your head and resting in a quiet room. If the ache persists, seek an appointment with your doctor.
10. Nausea
This refers to stomach discomfort characterized by a desire to vomit. Although it does not always culminate in vomiting, feeling nauseated may cause vomiting. When you become infected with Epstein-Barr, the virus is transported to your stomach by the saliva. In the stomach, the virus affects your stomach content, causing you to feel nauseated. This symptom may range from mild to severe depending on the stage of your mono infection. Although nausea may resolve on its own after a short while, frequent episodes of the symptom necessitate medical attention. Failure to seek medical attention may result in frequent vomiting, which may lead to chest pain, abdominal cramping, weight loss, and other serious complications.
