Signs & Symptoms of Mono

Mononucleosis, or mono, as it is commonly called, is an infection that is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is carried in the saliva (hence the nickname of the "kissing disease"). It is most commonly seen in young adults ages 15 to 17. According to Intelihealth.com, over 90 percent of Americans are permanently affected by the Epstein-Barr virus, although only a minority of those infected will develop mononucleosis. To determine whether a patient has mono, doctors will run white blood cell tests to look for abnormal white blood cell production that normally occurs in the first week of mono infection. He will also test for an antibody called heterophil, which is often produced as a result of mono infection.

Fatigue

• The most common symptom of mono is extreme fatigue. Those suffering from mono will find themselves needing at least 12 to 16 hours of sleep per night in order to function at all during the day. FightingFatigue.org classifies mono as a fatigue disorder, due to the extreme symptoms it causes in patients.It is essential that patients get all the rest they can in order to fight the infection.

Sore Throat

• Mono is often accompanied by a sore throat, which may start out as mildly aggravating and progress to severe and painful. The lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen, as well as the tonsils. Patients may mistake the sore throat for a different kind of throat infection (such as strep throat) and not realize that it is actually a result of a mono infection until antibiotic treatment has failed. Patients should be sure to always have a strep test before taking antibiotics for strep throat, since these medications can actually aggravate mono symptoms.

Rash

• Some patients may develop a rash that usually affects the chest area. Rashes are more likely if patients are taking antibiotics such as ampicillin or amoxicillin. The rash is usually pink and resembles the measles.

Fever

• Most mono patients will experience some range of fever, from mild to high. This is the body's natural reaction to an infection and is a sign that the body is fighting off a virus. If fever is persistent and very high, see the doctor for treatment.

Enlarged Spleen

• In extreme and rare cases, mono can cause enlargement of the spleen. If left untreated, this can result in spleen rupture. According to MonoTreatment.com, only .1 to .2 percent of mono patients will experience an enlarged spleen, which is not dangerous in and of itself. However, affected patients should avoid sports or anything that may cause pressure on the spleen, which is located just beneath the ribcage on the left side of the abdomen.