9 Symptoms of Mono

Infectious Mononucleosis (mono), is an infection that comes from the Epstein-Barr virus. The infection is commonly known as the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva; however, one may also contract the infection by simply sharing a drink or even food. Mono is usually self-treatable and may resolve within days to weeks. Most individuals who have been infected with the virus will experience the following symptoms within the first day. Although mono is not treatable, a doctor may still prescribe medication to affected individuals to ease the symptoms. Mono is commonly found in individuals between the ages of 14-18. Children between the ages of 0-2 and adults over 60 are less likely to become infected. If you or someone you know may have mono, it is important to understand the different symptoms one may experience.Below you may find the most common symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis.

1. Fatigue

The majority of people that become infected with mono will experience fatigue. This leaves individuals feeling tired and mentally exhausted. The chronic fatigue associated with mono may last from weeks to even months. In some cases, it may never go away at all and these individuals may be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS from infectious mononucleosis occurs in both male and females of all ethnicities and all ages. A study of 150 patients has shown that 13 percent of individuals infected with mono still experienced CFS after 6 months.If an individual is experiencing CFS after 6 months, he/she should seek medical attention to try and resolve the problem. There are cases where it is related to another underlying problem that has yet to be diagnosed. There are treatments that are available that may give the person some relief and be able to function at their best. For those that are experiencing fatigue, it is important to get a lot of rest. Getting plenty of rest is necessary in order to rebuild the immune system. It is essential that individuals also avoid stimulants such as caffeine, for they may interfere with the quality of sleep.Next