Mononucleosis--or mono for short--is a contagious infection caused by exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus. Teens between the ages of 15 and 19 and people with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of developing this infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mono onset symptoms typically emerge about four to seven weeks following exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Fever
Fever is a common onset symptom of mono. Patients who develop mono typically experience a sudden fever that can persist for one to four weeks, warns the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fever can occur in conjunction with chills, sweating and headache and may cause flushing of the skin. A patient's skin may also feel warm or clammy to the touch as a result of fever symptoms due to mono. Patients who develop persistent, sudden or high fever symptoms for any reason should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional.
Swollen Lymph Glands
The lymph glands are small clumps of tissue located within the neck, groin and underneath the arm pits. When the body is infected by a pathogen, the lymph nodes can accumulate white blood cells--a specific type of immune cell--and swell. Patients with mono can develop swollen lymph glands as an onset symptom of infection, reports KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Enlarged lymph glands are typically painless, though certain patients may notice that these glands are tender to the touch.
Sore Throat
A severe sore throat can emerge as an onset symptom of mono in certain patients. The tonsils can become unusually enlarged and swollen, making it difficult for a patient to talk or swallow normally, explain health professionals with University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Health Service. Sore throat symptoms can persist for several weeks and can contribute to decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss in affected patients.
Sore Muscles, Weakness or Fatigue
Patients with mono can experience sudden, excessive weakness or fatigue as onset symptoms of this infection, report UMMC health professionals. Certain patients can also develop sensations of muscle pain or discomfort throughout the body. These onset symptoms of mono can persist for several months and may significantly impact a patient's ability to participate in usual daily activities, such as school or work. Affected patients may still appear tired or drowsy after sleeping for long periods of time throughout the day. Onset symptoms of fatigue are typically accompanied by fever or sore throat in patients with mono.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis
- KidsHealth: Mononucleosis
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Infectious Mononucleosis
- Cornell University Gannett Health Services: Infectious Mononucleosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Mononucleosis
