Mononucleosis, or “mono” for short, is a common viral infection. It affects mostly young adults and teens, and it almost always is transmitted through bodily fluids.

While mono’s symptoms can linger for a long time in some cases, this viral infection isn’t typically considered a serious illness.

Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team further elaborates on mono below, so keep reading!

What Exactly Is Mono?

Mono is often referred to as the “kissing disease” because saliva is the most common way the virus is spread. Although mono isn’t as common as other types of viral infections, it will affect many people. The Epstein-Barr Virus, the virus that causes mono, will be transmitted to nearly 90% of people by the age of 35.

We’ve listed mono’s most common symptoms below.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Head and body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen liver or spleen or both
• Rash

Is Mono a Recurring Infection?

Not normally. Once someone gets mono, the Epstein-Barr virus lies dormant in the body after causing mono, and, in rare cases, it can reactivate and cause symptoms again. If this happens, it doesn’t usually cause symptoms again, unless it happens to someone who has a compromised immune system.

In even rarer cases, mono can lead to something called chronic active EBV (CAEBV) disease. This is a serious condition in which mono symptoms last longer than six months. If you experience this or any of the symptoms we’ve listed below, seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme muscle weakness in arms or legs
• Intense body aches
• High fever that won’t go away
• Severe headaches
• Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen

Have additional questions about mono? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team today!