In this Article

• What is infectious mononucleosis ("mono")?
• What is the cause of mono?
• What are risk factors for mono?
• How is mono spread?
• What are the symptoms of mono?
• What are the signs of mono?
• How is mono diagnosed?
• What is the usual course and treatment of mono?
• What are the complications of mono?
• Conclusion
• Infectious Mononucleosis At A Glance
• Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Infectious Mononucleosis (mono) - Symptoms Experienced
• Infectious Mononucleosis Glossary
• Infectious Mononucleosis Index

Conclusion

Infectious mononucleosis is usually a self-limited, although sometimes prolonged, and often uncomfortable illness. While specific treatment is rarely necessary, the potential complications make it essential that people with this illness be under the care of a physician.

Infectious Mononucleosis At A Glance

• Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
• The infection can be spread by saliva, and the incubation period for mono is four to six weeks.
• Most adults have laboratory evidence (antibodies against the EBV) indicative of a previous infection with EBV and are immune to further infection.
• The symptoms of mono include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
• The diagnosis of mono is confirmed by blood tests.
• Mono can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and enlargement of the spleen.
• People who have had mono can continue to shed virus particles in their saliva during reactivations of the viral infection throughout their lifetime.
• Vigorous contact sports should be avoided in the illness and recovery phase to prevent rupture of the spleen.

Infectious Mononucleosis (mono) - Symptoms Experienced

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