what is Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis, or “mono”, is a common infection among young adults and teenagers. This viral infection is spread through saliva, hence the nickname, the “kissing disease”. Type of Microbe: Epstein-Barr virus (or EBV), belonging to the family of herpes viruses. How it spreads: The virus is spread primarily through the saliva and is not normally spread through the air or blood. There have been some links to sexual transmission, as well. Fever Symptoms. Who’s at risk? The highest rates of mono are in teenagers who haven't been exposed already in childhood, between the ages of 10 and 19 years. In children younger than 10 years, the risk is lower, but mild infections may be under-diagnosed. Mono is most common in places where there are a lot of young adults, such as in the military and in colleges. Because the virus is so common, most people get infected by the time they reach adulthood. In fact, up to 95% of adults (ages 35 to 40) have been infected at some time in their lives. Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms in teenagers. In younger children, these symptoms are either absent or very mild. Older adults are less likely to get infectious mononucleosis (since 95% of adults were already exposed) but when they the infection they are more likely to have more severe presentations, including enlarged livers and jaundice -- possibly requiring hospitalization, but not as likely to have sore throats or swollen lymph nodes. People who have been infected don’t show symptoms for 4 to 8 weeks after being exposed.