Tips to Prevent Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, otherwise known as mono, is a highly contagious virus. Oftentimes referred to as “the kissing disease” mono is spread through saliva. The mono virus isn’t a serious illness, but it can lead to serious complications if ignored. In order to avoid mono, it is important to understand how it can be contracted. 

What is Mono?

Mono is caused by EBV or the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus begins to shed in your throat, therefore you can infect others with your own saliva. When initially contracting EBV, you may not even know you have the mono virus. There is an incubation period to mono, which means that it takes from four to six weeks to display actual symptoms. Once they appear, these symptoms will last around two to four weeks. 

Symptoms of Mono 

In order to understand if you have mono or not, it is good to know the common symptoms of the virus. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, swollen tonsils, headaches, skin rashes, a swollen spleen, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits. Symptoms of mono, like swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes, can often lead to a misdiagnosis of strep throat. 

How Does Mono Spread? 

Mono is spread through saliva. Due to this, mono is easily spread through schools, where students often share drinks and utensils. As its other name, “the kissing disease,” implies, it is also spread through kissing. The mono virus can also spread through coughing or sneezing, making it very easy to understand why it can spread so quickly. 

How To Avoid Mono 

One of the best ways to avoid mono is to avoid sharing any drinks or eating utensils with other individuals. Also, if it is noted that mono is spreading around near you, you will want to avoid kissing anyone in your area. Wash your hands often if you are in an area exposed to mono. If you are in a school setting where someone else might have sat in your desk before you, consider bringing disinfectant wipes with you to class so you wipe down your desk. 

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If you suspect you may have caught mono or could have been exposed to it, it is important to remember that the virus will not show up for around four to six weeks. Make sure that when you cough or sneeze, you do so into your arm. Also, just as you would to avoid the mono virus, make sure you are not sharing your drinks, utensils, or kissing others. 

Treatment of Mono 

If you have contracted mono, you will find that you will not be treated with antibiotics. The best thing you can do to get rid of mono is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. The most important thing that you can remember is that mono can stay in your saliva for months after you have been infected. This means that you should take the same precautions to avoid spreading mono in the following months after you start feeling better. 

Receive Your Diagnosis Today 

Getting diagnosed by a medical professional when you think you have mono is very important. Doing so will let you know that you need to be careful not to spread the mono virus. With regular doctors, you may find that you have to wait for days or weeks to be seen about your diagnosis. This means that you will have to suffer from your symptoms for that long. With our primary care services, you will have the chance to be seen Monday through Saturday throughout most of the day. Our medical professionals will not only see you quickly but will help you figure out if you have the mono virus. With BASS Primary Care, you can rest easy knowing that we are here for you on standby.

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