SAMANTHA CORREA

Mononucleosis

What is this?

It is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months

Also known as Mono The “kissing disease”

It is most often seen in teens and young adults.

Children can get the virus, but it often goes unnoticed because their symptoms are mild.

Older adults usually do not get mono, because they have immunity to the virus.

What causes it?

Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears.

Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the "kissing disease."

If you have mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like drinking glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.

As soon as you get over mono, your symptoms will go away for good, but you will always carry the virus that caused it.

The virus may become active from time to time without causing any symptoms. When the virus is active, it can be spread to others.

Early Symptoms Incubation Period

FatigueHeadacheSore throat

4 to 6 weeks

General Symptoms

High feverSevere sore throatSwollen glands and

tonsilsWeakness and fatigueRash Pink and purple spots

in mouth

No judgment

Children produces only flu-like symptoms, if any at all. When

found, symptoms tend to be similar to those of common throat infections

No judgment (cont.)

Teens and Young Adults Fever Sore throat Swollen glands Body aches

No judgment (cont.)

Older Adults Less often have characteristic signs and symptoms

such as the sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils Instead, they may primarily experience prolonged

fever, fatigue, malaise and body pains They are more likely to have liver enlargement and

jaundice. People over 40 years of age are more likely to develop

serious illness