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Mono Onset Symptoms

You may have heard of the condition infectious mononucleosis by one of its more common names, including "mono" or "the kissing disease." In most cases, the Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of mono, but the cytomegalovirus is also an occasional culprit. Although it can occur at any age, children and young adults aged 15 to 30 most frequently contract it. If caught early enough, mono is rarely serious, and is most commonly characterized by low energy and uncomfortable symptoms that doctors treat with a prescription combination of rest and medicine. Recognize the combined symptoms of mono, which will usually lessen within a week or two, but may last several weeks.

  1. Fatigue

    • One of the most common symptoms of mono is fatigue. While a persistent tired feeling is common with the average cold, mono fatigue is unrelenting and does not subside with consistent rest. You may also experience a pervasive weakness and aches in your joints and muscles that is not triggered by overexertion or vigorous exercise.

    Fever and Night Sweats

    • In isolation, fever may be representative of any number of infections or illnesses; however, fever that persists, particularly in children, should be examined by a doctor. It is common for mono to present with a fever of 101 to 104 degrees F and is frequently accompanied by chills. Alternating with chills may be sweats brought on by a sudden, overwhelming sensation of being too hot after being too cold.

    Headache

    • While standard headaches may be a common occurrence, a headache that won't go away when combined with other mono symptoms may be symptomatic of the mono virus. The headache can be exacerbated by an unusual sensitivity to light.

    Sore Throat and Swollen Tonsils or Lymph Nodes

    • The mono sore throat presents like strep throat that won't subside after a round of antibiotics. As with strep, there may be white patches at the back of the throat. Along with a sore throat, tonsils may be swollen and make it difficult to swallow. Additionally, the lymph nodes may be swollen in your armpits, groin and neck, particularly in the back of the neck.

    Appetite Loss

    • Appetite loss is another symptom of mono, which is exacerbated by the fever and sore throat, making it uncomfortable to eat.

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