What is Mono?
Image for mono Mono, short for infectious mononucleosis, is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono is sometimes called the “kissing disease” because it is primarily spread through saliva but it can sometimes pass from person-to-person though coughing and sneezing. It is most common in adolescents and young adults and causes extreme fatigue, high fever, muscle aches, and a very painful sore throat that may last for weeks or even months. Infection with EBV is very common and does not always lead to mono. People who are exposed to EBV as young children usually have no symptoms at all, or else their symptoms are indistinguishable from other mild childhood illnesses. Between 30% and 50% of people who are not exposed to EBV until adolescence or young adulthood experience the symptoms of mono when they do become exposed, while the rest experience more mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Infectious mononucleosis (pronounced: mah-no-noo-klee-oh-sus), sometimes called “mono” or “the kissing disease,” is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is very common, and many people have been exposed to the virus at some time in childhood. Not everyone who is exposed to EBV develops the symptoms of mono, though. As with many viruses, it is possible to be exposed to and infected with EBV without becoming sick. People who have been infected with EBV will carry the virus for the rest of their lives — even if they never have any signs or symptoms of mono. People who do show symptoms of having mono probably will not get sick or have symptoms again. Although EBV is the most common cause of mono, other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (pronounced: sye-toe-meh-guh-low-vye-rus), can cause a similar illness. Like EBV, cytomegalovirus stays in the body for life and may not cause any symptoms. People often kid around about mono, but as Ashley discovered, it’s no joke
