Is mono a serious illness?

For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life. With mono, you might feel sick for about a month.

What is the American illness mono?

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, refers to a group of symptoms usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It typically occurs in teenagers, but you can get it at any age. The virus is spread through saliva, which is why some people refer to it as “the kissing disease.”

What happens if you have mono?

What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms of mono are a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called swollen glands) and tonsils, and weakness and fatigue. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus. Mono can cause the spleen to swell.

Can you get rid of mono?

Can mononucleosis be cured? No, but mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about four weeks.

How did I get mono without kissing?

While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don’t have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person’s utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.

Can mono go away on its own?

Mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.

What is the fastest way to get rid of mono?

How to treat mono

1. Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
2. Rest. Mono can make you feel weak and fatigued, so aim to get about eight to 10 hours of sleep a night and nap when you feel you need to.
3. Gargle salt water.
4. Take fever-reducing medication.
5. Prescription medication.

How long is bed rest for mono?

Rest — Mono can cause severe fatigue, although most people recover within two to four weeks. For some, significant tiredness lasts for weeks to months. Early in the infection, it is important to get adequate rest, although complete bed rest is unnecessary.

What are symptoms of Mono illness?

Infectious mononucleosis is an illness that may lead to symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, and tiredness. Although there are a number of infections that cause a mononucleosis-like condition, when people say mono they are referring to the infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV ).

What is “mono” in regards to illness?

Mononucleosis , infectious mononucleosis, or “mono,” refers to a group of symptoms that affect some people, most commonly after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV. Mono is also known as glandular fever . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people experience infection with EBV at some point in their lives.

How long are contagious with mono?

Doctors and researchers aren’t exactly sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone. They believe that people can spread the infection for many months after their symptoms are completely gone — some studies show as long as 18 months.

What is the best treatment for mono?

The treatment for mononucleosis involves self-care at home with plenty of rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever and pain control. Throat lozenges or gargling with warm saltwater may soothe a sore throat.