Mono—or infectious mononucleosis, as it’s medically known—is a viral infection that most commonly affects teens and young adults. It’s affectionally known as the “kissing disease,” due to the fact that it is most often transmitted through direct contact with saliva.

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team shares more info on this common infection below, so keep reading!

What Exactly Is Mono?

Mono is a set of symptoms that is almost always caused by a virus called the Epstein-Barr Virus. Teens and young adults are most susceptible to the virus, but anyone at any age can get it.

Mono is most commonly spread through direct contact with saliva, as we said earlier, but kissing isn’t the only way you can get the virus. You can also be exposed to mono by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. Although the symptoms of mononucleosis, which we’ve listed below, are unpleasant, the infection is self-resolving and has no long-term health complications.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn’t get better after treatment with antibiotics
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Soft, swollen spleen

How Long Do Mono Symptoms Last?

In most cases, symptoms will go away in two to four weeks. Some people who have mono, though, say that symptoms like extreme fatigue last for much longer. While this can happen, it’s rare. If symptoms last for longer than six months, seek additional medical attention.

While mono is a virus that will need to run its course, there are ways you can reduce the severity of symptoms, and we’ve listed them below.

Ways to Ease Mono Symptoms

• Drinking fluids to stay hydrated
• Getting plenty of rest
• Taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Do you think you have mono and aren’t sure what to do? We can help! Don’t hesitate to call or visit our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team today.