Mononucleosis ("mono") is an infectious disease that, according to the Mayo Clinic, is transmitted through human saliva. For this reason, it often is referred to as "the kissing disease," but it can also be spread through sneezes and coughs or by sharing a fork, spoon or drinking glass. Mono is an infection that is more common in adolescents and younger adults than it is in older people.
Sore Throat
The mononucleosis virus typically manifests its symptoms after incubating in the body up to 8 weeks. The Mayo Clinic states that this process takes less time in small children. When it does finally manifest, it may produce such symptoms as soreness in the throat that cannot be relieved with antibiotics. This may continue for two weeks or longer, but it tends to decrease by the two-week mark. Another aspect of the throat soreness may be tonsil swelling. The pain in the throat also may contribute to a third symptom, which is an appetite decrease or loss.
Fatigue
One of the most well-known symptoms of mononucleosis is fatigue. This symptom may continue throughout the duration of the infection. It can be so extreme that it makes even the simplest common tasks seem overwhelming. This is a main reason why doctors recommend plenty of rest for patients with mono.
Spleen
Spleen swelling (splenomegaly), one of mono's more serious symptoms, may produce its own symptoms, which include bleeding easily, fatigue, anemia, left abdominal or left shoulder pain, a satiated feeling even if the patient hasn't eaten and infections that become frequent. The treatment for splenomegaly is to address the cause, which in this case is mono. In extreme cases, the spleen may need to be surgically removed.
Other Symptoms
Mononucleosis may produce additional symptoms such as night sweats, weakness, skin rash, swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits or neck and fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, any of these symptoms and the infection itself can be treated by drinking fluids, eating healthily and getting plenty of rest. If these do not help to reduce symptoms in 7 to 14 days, a patient should consult a physician.
