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If you have ever talked about your first kiss or kissing in general, you may have heard the term mono. While many people discuss mono as the kissing disease, not many people actually fully understand this sickness.
Some common questions about mono are: what causes it, can mono come back with stress, and how can you get rid of it? Because mono is typically discussed in a childish or immature manner, these questions often go unanswered.
Learning about this kissing disease can help you better understand the symptoms and treatment options. You can also teach others about mono.
Keep reading to discover what mono is, the cause of it, symptoms, and treatments. Also, find out how mono is often misunderstood by many.
What is Mononucleosis (Mono)?
Mono is a contagious disease that is known by many names. It is also known as mononucleosis, infectious mononucleosis, and the kissing disease.
There are many ways that a person may realize that they have mononucleosis. Typically, people hear that someone close to them has mono or they may begin to exhibit symptoms.
It is more commonly found in teenagers and young adults. For the most part, adults do not contract mono; this is because of antibodies that they have built up over time against the virus.
Once someone becomes infected with infectious mononucleosis, it may take them two to four weeks to get over the sickness. However, some experience symptoms of the kissing disease for up to six months or longer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Causes Mono?
Infectious mononucleosis is famously known as the kissing disease, and for good reason! Mono is contracted through saliva and other bodily fluids passed between people. While it is passed quickly between couples and people that kiss, it can also be passed other ways.
For example, if your husband contracts the disease from a straw he shared with his son, then you may catch it because of a small peck with your husband. Other ways someone can contract the kissing disease is through blood and semen.
The official name of the virus that causes mono is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Despite being the most common virus for mono, other viruses can cause mononucleosis.
The Symptoms of Mono
Symptoms vary in length and severity based on each individual. For example, someone may become exposed to infectious mononucleosis, but will not show symptoms for multiple days. As stated previously, some symptoms may only last for a couple of weeks while other symptoms can last over six months.
Common signs of the kissing disease include sore throat, extreme fatigue, and headaches. Many people also experience swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, and spleen.
In intense cases of mono, someone may have sharp painful sensations in their spleen, even resulting in a ruptured spleen. This is why doctors often suggest that patients avoid strenuous activities.
Many people often misdiagnosis themselves by thinking that they have allergies or strep throat. This is why it is important to see a doctor or medical professional about your symptoms.
The Treatment for Mononucleosis
There is currently no cure or “fix-all” medication for mononucleosis. However, there are things you can do to alleviate pain and symptoms and help protect those around you.
You can begin by keeping your distance from those closest to you. By not kissing and avoiding sexual activities with your partner, you can limit their exposure to mono. Also, avoid sharing items that may contain your salivae, such as drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes.
To help with your pain and symptoms, you should drink plenty of fluids and get substantial rest. Infectious mononucleosis causes extreme fatigue in a person; because of this, you will want to make sure your body is getting lots of rest to fight the infection. Common over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms such as headaches, fevers, and sore throat.
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