Health Tip: Understanding Mononucleosis

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Mononucleosis, sometimes called mono, has a group of flu-like symptoms that are usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

People who have been infected with EBV will carry the virus for the rest of their lives, says KidsHealth. Those who have mono symptoms may not get sick from the virus or have those symptoms again.

Mono spreads through kissing, coughing, sneezing or by contact with infected saliva. Symptoms show up between 4 to 7 weeks after infection, and include tiredness, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and sore muscles.

These symptoms usually go away within a matter of weeks with plenty of rest and fluids. There is no vaccine to protect against EBV, so people are encouraged to wash their hands often and not share drinks or eating utensils.

Source: HealthDay

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