Mononucleosis (Mono/Kissing Disease): Symptoms and Causes

Table of Content

• What is Mononucleosis or Kissing Disease?

• What are Mononucleosis Causes?

• What are Mononucleosis Symptoms?

• Is mono contagious?

• How is Mononucleosis Diagnosed?

• What are Mononucleosis Treatments?

• Foods For Mononucleosis Infections

• Are there any complications of Mononucleosis?

• Can You Have Intercourse during Mononucleosis?

• How to Prevent Mononucleosis?

• Take-Home Points

Introduction

Like the common cold and flu, another illness can spread through saliva and are highly contagious - that is mononucleosis or kissing disease. Though this disease is not so serious, it is highly common. In this article, you would know about this unusual disease, its causes, diagnosis, and treatments. 

What is Mononucleosis or Kissing Disease?

Mononucleosis, also called “mono”or “ kissing disease” is spread through saliva, mostly while kissing. This disease also spreads when you share personal items or things with an infected person. 

What are Mononucleosis Causes?

The most common pathway of transmission for mono is through saliva or kissing but it can also be spread through sexual fluids. Mono can’t be called STI as mono is not only caused by sexual contact but also through other ways like sharing personal items. 

What are Mononucleosis Symptoms?

Symptoms of mono are different for each stage of mono. There are usually three stages of mononucleosis - prodrome stage, acute stage and convalescent stage. 

1. Prodrome Stage

This is the first stage of mononucleosis which lasts up to 15 days. It is usually difficult to diagnose the disease during this stage. 

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Muscle ache

2. Acute Stage

This is the stage where the symptoms of mono become more prominent. This stage usually lasts up to one week and the individual may experience symptoms like fatigue, tiredness and weakness.

• Swollen glands on the ground

• Swollen abdominal region (where the livers and spleen are located)

• Jaundice

• High fever

• Rashes

• Swollen lymph nodes

3. Convalescent Stage

This is the recovery stage after the acute stage which may take from 2 to 6 months. Here you can become a carrier of infection to someone so it’s better to maintain some distance. 

Is mono contagious?

Mono can spread to others due to personal or sexual contact. The common ways of transmission are, 

• Blood transfusions

• Sexual contact

• Coughing or sneezing

• Kissing

• Organ transplants

• Sharing utensils, foods and drinks

How is Mononucleosis Diagnosed?

The most common indicator of mononucleosis is the swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen or liver. Blood tests are done to arrive at the final results which consist of looking for antibodies of mono and the number of white blood cells.

What are Mononucleosis Treatments?

Mononucleosis usually doesn't get serious without any medical aid. The most common treatments after mono are,

• Rest: Sleep is the key to fighting illnesses in the body. So, have loads of sleep and take complete rest. 

• Hydration: Dehydration delays the recovery, hence have lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. 

• Pain relievers: Getting anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers would help you fight the infection more easily. So, try to have ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen after consulting your doctor. 

• Sore throat soothers: Using throat lozenges and gargling with salt water would help you in alleviating throat symptoms.

• Avoiding Exertion: Avoiding sports and any form of strenuous exercise would help in avoiding complications and speed recovery. 

Foods For Mononucleosis Infections

Foods are medicines that help your body in healing and recovery. Choosing the best foods will help you in fast recovery and pain management. Here are the foods you should eat and avoid while battling a mono-infection, 

Foods to Eat During Mononucleosis Infections

Foods rich in minerals and vitamins, especially in the fluid form are ideal foods. Some of them are, 

• Soups

• Juices 

• Honey or lemon teas

• Chicken 

• Eggs

• Fish 

• Tofu

• Nuts 

• Seeds

• Avocado

• Fruits

• Vegetables

Foods to Avoid During Mononucleosis

Eating carbohydrates and sugar-rich foods will reduce your body's capacity to fight against infections and inflammation. So, try to avoid foods like, 

• Cookies

• Cereals

• Candies

• Cakes 

• Chocolates 

• Pastries 

• Sweet rolls

• Dairy desserts

• Sweetened sugar drinks

Are there any complications of Mononucleosis?

In rare cases, mononucleosis wouldn’t get recovered after the symptoms subside. They can cause complications such as,

• Enlargement of spleen

• Hepatitis

• Jaundice

• Anaemia (decrease in haemoglobin count)

• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets count)

• Myocarditis or inflammation of heart muscles

• Nervous complications like meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome

• Swollen tonsils

Can You Have Intercourse during Mononucleosis? 

While the commonly accepted belief is that mono spreads through saliva, it can also spread through the secretions of the vagina, cervix or penis. So, it’s best to avoid intercourse while your partner is suffering from mono. Also, it is better to delay any sexual contact for three months after the symptoms subside as the virus reactivates and spreads to another person even after recovery.  

How to Prevent Mononucleosis?

There are no vaccines for protecting yourself against mono viruses. But you can take constructive steps that help you in staying away from mono. Here are some of the tips that help you in staying away from mono infections, 

• Don't share personal items like toothbrushes or towels.

• Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils who have respiratory infections. 

• Avoid unnecessarily touching your face or eyes. 

• Boost your immunity with the right kind of foods. 

• Get plenty of sleep during the night. 

Take-Home Points

• Mononucleosis or kissing disease is a contagious disease that is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

• It can spread through personal contact, sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, organ transplants or even airborne droplets.

• In rare cases, it can lead to complications like hepatitis, jaundice, enlarged spleen, anaemia and myocarditis.