Infectious Mononucleosis, better known as "mono" or "the kissing disease" is a common infection among young adults today. It is a viral infection with a wide variety of symptoms. Mono is caused by a virus called the Epstein- Barr Virus (EBV), which is a member of the Herpesvirus family. .
Mono affects the respiratory and lymphatic systems, the liver and spleen. It is usually a minor affliction, but symptoms can sometimes be much more severe. It is usually spread through saliva, hence it's name "the kissing disease", but it can be spread through other bodily fluids. Once mono is contracted it enters the body's lymphatic tissue. The virus also enters the salivary glands where it reproduces rapidly. The virus multiplies and infects B-lymphocytes, better known as white blood cells. EBV usually triggers a general increase in B-lymphocytes, resulting in an elevated level of T-lymphocytes as well. Infected B-lymphocytes rapidly reproduce and take on an a-typical appearance becoming what are known as Downy cells. The "Paul-Bunnell Test" or "mono spot" is designed to detect heterophil (mono) antibodies present in the blood. .
The first symptoms to appear in young adults are fatigue, headache, a fever that usually peaks in the early evening, and muscle aches. These symptoms are not by themselves extremely distinct, but with mono, symptoms usually last much longer than with other afflictions. In terms of fatigue, some infected people find themselves sleeping 12 to 16 hours each day. After the first few days, most people develop a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. In few cases, symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, joint aches, vague abdominal fullness or pain, rash on the chest, puffy eyelids and sweating at night. The spleen and the liver can become enlarged in many cases. Contact sports and other strenuous activities should be avoided.
Some people recover in several days while others do not recover for several weeks or even months.