It used to be called the kissing disease and in elementary, middle and high school its name was often mentioned. It was often carelessly thrown around and used as a derogatory comment. You may remember the schoolyard taunts of “Betty has a monkey,” “Kim has a monkey,” or “Greg gave Sherry a monkey.” Either way it was said, it was never a good thing. Mono is a genuine concern for young people and one that more people should know about. Read More
In this article, we will answer many questions about this disease. By doing so, we hope to give children and parents alike a much better understanding of this so-called ‘rite of passage’ disease. Sit back and learn about mononucleosisbetter known as monkey.
What exactly is monkey?
Mononucleosis, or mono for short, is a viral infection that usually affects children and young adults. Most have heard of this insidious disease.
What is its cause?
The cause of mono is the Epstein-Barr virus and the cytomegalovirus. Viral infections are often more difficult to treat than bacterial infections.
How is it spread?
Mono spreads primarily through the exchange of saliva, hence its antiquated name of kissing disease. Because children and young people experiment with their sexuality by kissing their friends, this age group is particularly vulnerable.
How can you catch?
As mentioned above, kissing is a primary mode of transmission, as is the sharing of utensils such as an ice cream scoop or some other treat that children and young adults often engage in. One can get mononucleosis even from the simple act of holding hands with an infected person.
How long is the contagious period?
The contagious period of mono is up to two full months. This gives children and young adults enough time to spread the virus while at school, at social activities, or just staying home with family members.
What are the symptoms?
Mono has several different symptoms, among which the main ones are sore throat and fever. Along with these symptoms, fatigue also plays a role. Depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the infected person, problems with the spleen may also occur.
How long does it last?
Mono symptoms can last up to four or more weeks. Typically, it can take much longer for energy levels to rise.
Can I get it more than once?
As with any virus, it is usually detected once in a lifetime, if ever. In some very rare cases, individuals have been known to be reinfected, but they are very few and far between.
How will I know if I have it?
Your internist can and should perform a standard test to determine if you are infected with mononucleosis.
Is it a big deal if I’m sure about it?
No, mononucleosis is usually not a big problem and will get better with time. Unfortunately, sometimes complications will arise from the viral infection, making it a health issue for the infected party.