{"id":655,"date":"2017-10-05T06:12:02","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T06:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=655"},"modified":"2021-07-12T15:14:28","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T15:14:28","slug":"14-symptoms-mono","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/14-symptoms-mono\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Mono"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Mono, the term often used to describe a condition known as infectious mononucleosis, refers to a collection of symptoms that are typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A member of the herpes virus family, EBV is highly contagious and infects people throughout the world. Since these two conditions are related, it also means that mono is highly contagious. Though it tends to affect teenagers more than any other group of people, anyone can get it.<\/p>\n

Spread through saliva, mono has been coined \u201cthe kissing disease.\u201d While kissing is certainly one way that this virus can spread, it\u2019s not the only way. It can be spread whenever someone makes contact with an infected person\u2019s saliva; sharing drinks or foods, using glasses or utensils that have not been properly washed, etc. Mono can also be spread through blood, as well as through sneezing or coughing.<\/p>\n

Typically, it takes between 4 to 8 weeks for the symptoms of mono to the present. A person who is infected may continue exchanging saliva via kissing or other methods, or passing bodily fluids, without even knowing that he or she is infected. Since it takes some time for people to learn that they are infected with mono, they are unable to take the proper precautions to prevent spreading the disease. This, coupled with the fact that it is highly contagious, is why mono spreads so easily.<\/p>\n

How can you tell if you have mono? Here are 14 symptoms that might clue you in.<\/p>\n

1. A sore throat<\/h3>\n

In teens and young adults, one of the most common symptoms of mono is a sore throat<\/a>. The pain associated with a sore throat that is caused by mono is usually quite severe. It may be piercing and burning. The pain can last for several days for up to two weeks. This soreness is often associated with redness and swelling in the throat. It can also be accompanied by coughing, mucus, and wheezing. Of, people who develop this symptom attribute it to something else, like the common cold. While a sore throat can be a sign of other infections, if the pain is severe and persists, it\u2019s wise to see a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Extreme fatigue<\/h3>\n

Another highly common symptom of mono is fatigue<\/a>. The fatigue can become so overwhelming that an infected person may not have the energy to perform even the simplest tasks. If you have mono, you may want to do little more than sleep.<\/p>\n

And, no matter how much sleep you get, it is likely that you will still feel extremely tired. Since your immune system is working in overdrive to try and fight the virus, your energy can be severely drained. Fatigue can last for several days or weeks, and in extreme cases, it can last for several months.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. A skin rash<\/h3>\n

Dermatitis, or a rash<\/a>, can be the result of a number of health conditions, such as allergies, an autoimmune deficiency, or mono. If you are infected with mono, a skin rash may appear on various parts of the body, but it is most likely to affect the arms and torso. The rash can appear pink in color and have an appearance similar to that of measles.<\/p>\n

It can be extremely itchy and even painful, as you might experience a burning sensation. Dermatitis is one of the ways your body fights an infection. While not everyone who has mono will develop this symptom, if you notice that you have developed one and have other mono-like symptoms, it\u2019s important to check in with a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Swollen glands<\/h3>\n

When you develop any type of illness, your glands can swell. The lymph nodes<\/a> work to remove foreign substances from the body, including viruses, such as mono. You might notice that the glands on either side of your neck are swollen. If they are, this is a sign that your body is hard at work trying to fight off an infection.<\/p>\n

Of course, swollen glands are a symptom associated with various illnesses, including strep throat and the flu; however, if your glands are enlarged and you are exhibiting any other signs that are commonly associated with mono, you\u2019ll want to see a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"5. A fever<\/h3>\n

This symptom is common in people of all ages who are affected by mono. Though a fever<\/a> can occur with any type of infection, usually, the fever associated with this illness is high. A fever is one of the body\u2019s first lines of defense in fighting an infection.<\/p>\n

The rise in temperature is an attempt to make the body less habitable for the virus, thereby killing it off. In addition to developing a fever, you could also experience cold sweats, chills, and general malaise. If your fever becomes alarming high or lasts for several days, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Flu-like symptoms<\/h3>\n

Mono can cause symptoms that mimic those of the flu. For example, a sore throat<\/a>, a fever, chills, swollen glands, and fatigue. For that reason, many people dismiss the symptoms of mono and equate it to the flu. While both illnesses are contagious, mono spreads much quicker and easier than the flu.<\/p>\n

If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms and you think that you have been exposed to mono (and even if you don\u2019t suspect you have been exposed,) you should get checked out by a doctor. An evaluation will determine the cause of your symptoms and proper treatment will be provided.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Frequent headaches<\/h3>\n

A headache<\/a> can be caused by a number of conditions. For example, it could be the result of a sinus infection or even dehydration. However, if you have mono, common headache remedies will only dull the pain, not alleviate it completely.<\/p>\n

Also, the pain can last for several days and can become quite intense. If you have developed an intense headache that lasts for a few days, you aren\u2019t getting any relief, and you have other symptoms associated with mono, see your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Enlarged tonsils<\/h3>\n

If you still have your tonsils<\/a> and you contract mono, there is a good chance that they will become swollen. This symptom will likely coincide with a sore throat. Your tonsils may become so inflamed that it could become difficult to swallow. You might also notice changes to your voice. In addition to being swollen, the tonsils will probably appear bright red.<\/p>\n

In extreme cases, the tonsils can become so swollen that they could obstruct breathing. If your tonsils are swollen, you have a sore throat, swollen glands and other symptoms that are indicative of mono, seeing a doctor is crucial.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Increased heart rate<\/h3>\n

Your heart rate<\/a> increases when you exert heightened levels of physical activity. This happens because your heart is working harder to pump blood to the parts of your body that are being strained as a result of increased activity levels. When you have mono, your heart rate can also rise.<\/p>\n

Just like when you are working out, your heart is working harder to pump blood to the parts of your body that are affected by mono \u2013 hence the increased heart rate. If your heart is beating faster than it normally does and you haven\u2019t increased your physical activity, it could be a sign of mono.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Breathlessness<\/h3>\n

Just like your heart rate rises when you exercise<\/a>, you also become short of breath. That\u2019s because your body is trying to adjust itself to the stress you are putting on it. The same can happen when you are trying to fight off a viral infection, such as mono.<\/p>\n

You might notice that easily become winded after exerting minimal energy, or that you seem to be struggling to get enough air even when you are resting. If you have rapid breathing, your heart rate is elevated and you are showing any other mono-like symptoms, you will want to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Fogginess<\/h3>\n

Brain fog is a common symptom with many health conditions, including mono. When you have a viral infection, your body produces cytokines<\/a>, chemicals that are meant to trigger inflammation. These chemicals can have an effect on you in a number of ways. For example, they could be contributing to your sore throat and swollen tonsils.<\/p>\n

They could also make you feel like you are in a fog. Cytokines can mildly inflame the brain, making it more difficult to concentrate and focus. You might feel as if you are going through actions without really paying attention to what you are doing.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Pain in the abdomen<\/h3>\n

While it is rare, very severe abdominal pain may occur. The pain might be attributed to swelling of the spleen. The spleen produces white blood cells, which attack bacteria<\/a> and other foreign matter, and remove them from the blood as it passes through this organ.<\/p>\n

When the body is infected by any virus, the spleen starts working in overdrive to generate white blood cells and get rid of the infection. If mono becomes severe, the increased production of white blood cells could cause the spleen to swell. This can result in abdominal pain, particularly on the upper left side.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Liver issues<\/h3>\n

Mono<\/a> can also affect the liver. The enzyme in the liver can become elevated as a result of the infection. This can cause several problems, such as hepatitis (mild inflammation of the liver) or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the white of the eyes.<\/p>\n

It might sound off-putting, but liver elevated liver enzymes will return to normal once the illness passes, even if it\u2019s not treated. However, seeking treatment will speed up the recovery time and prevent further complications from occurring.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Contamination<\/h3>\n

Since mono is highly contagious, you might be able to tell you to have it if you notice others around you are developing similar symptoms. For example, someone you live in close quarters with or share saliva<\/a> with could also experience the same symptoms as you.<\/p>\n

While this is not necessarily a symptom of mono, it can certainly be a useful way of determining if you \u2013 and others around you \u2013 have been infected by this illness.<\/p>\n\r\n

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