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Student Health Services > Mononucleosis Information

Definition:  Mono is a short term or nickname for infectious mononucleosis.  It is a viral disease characterized mainly by chills, fever, sore throat (often with a lot of exudates on the tonsils), headache, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes, especially those in the back of the neck, general muscular aching, emotional depressions, and skin rash.

Testing:  Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV).  Other viruses may cause similar symptoms, but nomo can be diagnosed in most causes by changes in the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and by finding antibodies to the EBV.  Liver tests may be slightly abnormal.  Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the lab studies during the course of the illness.  The spleen, which is similar to a lymph node swells in about one half of the cases.

Course:  The duration of mono is variable, usually from one to several weeks.  Children may get mono, not be very ill, and not be diagnosed.  However, in the U.S., most mono occurs in young adults and is quite common among college students.  Infection causes a high degree of resistance and immunity, so getting mono more than once is rare.  A chronic form of mono has been suggested, but not proven, and EBV is not the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Contagion:  Mono occurs worldwide and is a contagious disease.  It is spread from person to person by saliva from the mouth and throat.  Mono was once called the "kissing disease" and kissing does indeed facilitate its spread.  Most people are susceptible to mono, but not everyone gets clinically ill with it, since it can be mild and undiagnosed.  The incubation period is from 4 to 6 weeks, and the virus can be excreted from the throat for months after infection.

Points in Treatment:  Mono, like most other viral illnesses, has no definite, curative treatment.  The body will eventually cure itself, and is aided by activity, proper diet, and adequate rest.  Most people don't get severely ill and are over it in a couple of weeks.  1) Activity: Complete bed rest is not required and most students can get to class and do pretty much whatever they feel like.  However, heavy physical workouts and contact sports should be avoided for about a month.  2) Medications: Certain medications might be indicated.  Anti-inflammatory steroids help if a person has a large amount of swollen glands, and antibiotics are used if there is a secondary bacterial infection in the throat.  Acetaminophen helps relieve fever, headache, diet, and body pain.  3) Diet: There are no restrictions in your diet except to avoid alcohol entirely for about four weeks.  Eat balanced meals.  Keep up hydration: drink at least eight glasses of water daily.  Avoidance of spicy and greasy foods helps a sensitive stomach.  Avoidance of "sharp" foods: peanuts, popcorn, taco chips, for example help the sore throat.

General Measures:  Gargle frequently with double strength tea or warm salt water if the throat is sore.  Do not strain to have a bowel movement.  To do so may possibly insure the spleen, which is frequently enlarged in patients with infectious mononucleosis.

Notify Student Health Services at extension 5050 if you experience any of the following:

  • Temperature over 102ºF (38.9ºC)
  • Severe constipation
  • Some discomfort may be noted in the left side of the abdomen with deep breathing, but real pain lasting 5 minutes or more should be reported.
  • Difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

*ATHLETE FOCUS:  In general, contact sports and strenuous exercise (especially abdomen-focused exercise) must be avoided for 4 weeks.  The risk of trauma to the delicate spleen and liver is HEMORRHAGE.  If liver function tests are abnormal, it may take longer for recovery and return to active athletic participation.