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Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is also referred to as "mono" or "the kissing disease." This is an infection which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is very common. Most people are exposed to this virus during some point in their childhood. However, it is not essential that all the people who suffer from that get mononucleosis. People can also be exposed to EBV without falling sick.

People who are infected with EBV will continue to carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Even if they never have any signs or symptoms of mononucleosis. People have symptoms of having mononucleosis will not get sick, or have symptoms again.

Although EBV is the main cause of this other viruses like cytomegalovirus could also lead to the disease.

How Do People Get Mononucleosis?

One way in which you can get this is by kissing someone who has been infected. This is how the disease got its name. A smooch among friends will not do any harm. However, if you have never been infected with EBV, some kind of intimate kissing could pose a greater risk for you if you do it with someone who is infected with it. You can also get mononucleosis if you do not kiss anyone. This can happen through other ways like direct contact with saliva (spit) from someone infected with the virus. This could be from sharing a straw or an eating utensil. Some people who already have the virus in their bodies could not have any symptoms. However it is possible that they get infected with virus. Some experts believe that EBV can spread from people who have the virus. However it is not necessary that they don't have symptoms of mononucleosis. Some people are more contagious if they have fever.

How will you know if you have it?

People who have mononucleosis could have mixed combinations of these symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms and they might not notice them. Some people might not have any symptoms at all. Even if you have these symptoms, you should always consult a doctor rather than diagnosing yourself. You must always go to your doctor if you have a fever, sore throat or swollen glands. Even if you are tired without a reason, you need to go to doctor.

Since these symptoms are so common, you might not suspect much about mononucleosis. You could mistake it to be flu or sore throat. You must take some blood tests to make sure that you are not suffering from the disease.