What Are the Symptoms of Mono?

Infectious mononucleosis is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly contagious virus belonging to the herpes virus family. Commonly referred to as the “kissing disease,” mono is easily spread through saliva, but it can also be transmitted through sharing drinking glasses, utensils, toothbrushes, or exposure to coughs and sneezes of infected individuals.

Once EBV enters the body, typically through the mouth and throat, it infects cells and eventually moves into the bloodstream, targeting specialized white blood cells called B lymphocytes. Your body’s immune response causes symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and possibly enlargement of the spleen or liver.

While teens and young adults are most commonly affected due to increased social interactions, mono can occur at any age. It’s important to know that other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), can sometimes cause symptoms very similar to mono. Additionally, many people infected with EBV may never show noticeable symptoms, yet still carry and potentially spread the virus throughout their lifetime.

Mononucleosis is commonly known as “mono.” Mono is primarily transmitted through direct contact with saliva from an infected individual. Often referred to as the “kissing disease,” mono commonly spreads through activities like kissing, since saliva contains Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus responsible for mono. However, kissing isn’t the only way the infection spreads. Sharing personal items such as utensils, cups, toothbrushes, lip balm, or food contaminated by saliva can also pass the virus from person to person.

Additionally, coughing or sneezing can spread droplets containing EBV, potentially infecting those nearby if droplets enter the mouth or nose. Although EBV can be present in other bodily fluids, such as blood or semen, transmission through these fluids is far less common. Mono spreads most easily in environments where close interaction regularly occurs, including schools, dormitories, workplaces, and households.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we urge our community to be vigilant, as individuals infected with EBV may unknowingly transmit the virus, even when they do not show clear symptoms. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms consistent with mono, such as extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, our medical team at Immediate Care of Oklahoma is available to provide prompt evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment recommendations.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, our experienced medical professionals frequently treat infectious illnesses, including mononucleosis (often called “mono”), commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono typically begins slowly, and its symptoms may initially resemble other viral infections. Early signs often include persistent fatigue, general malaise, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck and armpit areas. The sore throat associated with mono may become severe, with significant redness and swelling of the tonsils.

Patients visiting Immediate Care of Oklahoma with suspected mono may also experience headaches, muscle aches, and decreased appetite. Our medical team is trained to assess for additional symptoms such as an enlarged spleen (medically known as splenomegaly), which patients often do not notice themselves. Additionally, mono can cause liver enlargement, sometimes resulting in mild abdominal discomfort or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Mono symptoms typically last several weeks but may persist longer, particularly fatigue, which can remain for months. If you believe you or a loved one may have mono, it’s important to promptly seek evaluation from trained healthcare providers, such as those at Immediate Care of Oklahoma. In particular, severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, extreme fatigue, or abdominal pain warrant immediate medical attention, as these symptoms could indicate complications.

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, is an illness that is treated at Immediate Care of Oklahoma, typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The duration and severity of mono symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, symptoms like fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches begin to appear within four to six weeks after exposure to the virus and may last two to four weeks.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, our experienced healthcare providers frequently evaluate and treat patients experiencing mono. We understand that even after the initial illness resolves, fatigue can persist for several weeks or even months. Persistent fatigue is a hallmark of mono and can linger long after other symptoms have improved, sometimes lasting up to several months.

Most individuals fully recover without complications, and our team emphasizes the importance of rest, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration to help alleviate symptoms and speed recovery. However, if your symptoms persist beyond several months, worsen significantly, or cause concern, Immediate Care of Oklahoma recommends seeking medical attention promptly for further evaluation and personalized care.

If you suspect you or a family member may have mono, don’t hesitate to visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma for prompt diagnosis, effective symptom management, and compassionate medical support. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Choctaw, OK and Bethany OK.