Mono, or mononucleosis (sometimes also referred to as "the kissing disease"), is a viral infection passed from person-to-person through saliva. It commonly occurs among teenagers, but it can develop at any age. According to the Mayo Clinic, the virus has an incubation period of 4 to 8 weeks, and symptoms often start off mild and similar to a typical cold or virus. However, some of these symptoms may persist for weeks and, in rare cases, become serious or life-threatening.
General Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the early symptoms of mononucleosis are consistent with the symptoms of most typical viral infections. These signs include fever, muscle aches or stiffness, sore throat and swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes (particularly in the neck and armpit), loss of appetite, drowsiness and a general malaise or ill feeling. People with mono also often develop a pink rash on the body and a swollen spleen that can be felt upon physical examination.
The NIH advises that people do not need to contact their doctor unless these general symptoms persist for more than 10 days. According to the Mayo Clinic, most symptoms like fever and sore throat will improve within a couple of weeks; however, feelings of fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen may persist for a few more weeks.
Serious Symptoms
In some cases, mono can cause serious symptoms that require prompt medical attention. These symptoms include problems breathing, a persistent high fever above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, a severe headache, sore throat or swollen tonsils, abdominal pain, muscle weakness (particularly in the arms or legs) and a yellowish discoloration of the skin or eyes, according to the NIH. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Very sharp and severe stomach pain, extreme difficulty swallowing or breathing or a stiff neck and profound weakness are signs that should prompt you to call 911 immediately.
Infrequent Symptoms
Mono can cause additional symptoms that can become persistent, bothersome or serious in nature. If you develop these symptoms, or if they worsen, you should contact your doctor right away. These less common symptoms of mono include chest pain, hives, nosebleed, rapid heart rate, cough, shortness of breath and sensitivity to light.
Complications
Untreated or worsening mono can lead to a number of complications, including a ruptured spleen, bacterial infection of the throat, anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells and an inflammation of the testicles in men, according to the NIH. Some people may develop neurological problems such as meningitis, transient facial paralysis, ataxia (unsteadiness or wobbliness), seizures and Guillain-Barre syndrome--an immune system disorder that affects the nerves and leads to muscle weakness. Rarely, those with severely depressed immune systems can die from complications due to mono.
